Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of
The evidence for treatment of acute
Radial head fractures are among the most common fractures around the elbow. Radial head arthroplasty is one of the surgical treatment options after
Purpose. Assess and report the functional and post-operative outcomes of
Purpose: To review the clinical outcome of patients who have had
Aim:
Background. Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is a popular method of treatment for complex fractures of the radial head. The purpose of this study was to investigate patient outcomes and radiographic findings associated with a single anatomical monopolar press-fit radial head system commonly used for the treatment of radial head fractures. Methods. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for a consecutive series of patients treated with RHA between November 2007 and April 2014. Patients with a minimum of 12-month follow-up were included. Most recent radiographs were evaluated for loosening, stress shielding, and instability. Post-operative motion and outcomes were reported at most-recent follow-up. Results. At an average follow-up of 30 months, 7 of the 17 patients (41%) demonstrated radiographic loosening. Six of the 10 patients (60%) without loosening demonstrated stress shielding (average 6mm). Functional outcome scores included a mean ASES of 74, MEPS of 87, VAS Pain of 1, VAS Function of 8 and SANE of 79. Average flexion-extension arc was 13°–138°, and average pronation-supination was 77°–76° (Figure 1). Of the patients with radiographic loosening, 86% had undergone RHA with an associated ligamentous injury of the elbow. Satisfaction among patients was high, as no patient reported an unsatisfactory outcome. Conclusions. The use of an anatomic, press-fit monopolar RHA in the management of acute
There is an increasing trend towards radial head replacement (RHR) or fixation for
Introduction. This study investigates the epidemiology of proximal radial fractures and potential links to social deprivation. Patients and Methods. From a prospective database we identified and analysed all patients who had sustained a fracture of the radial head or neck over a one year period. The degree of social deprivation was assessed using the Carstairs and Morris index. The relationship between demographic data, fracture characteristics and deprivation categories was determined using statistical analysis. Results. Two hundred and ninety radial head (n=203) and neck (n=87) fractures were diagnosed with a mean age of 44.3years (13–94). There was no significant difference with regards age or gender predominance when comparing radial head and neck fractures directly. The mean age of males was significantly younger when compared to females for radial head (p<0.001) and neck (p<0.001) fractures, but with no gender predominance seen. Associated injuries (n=25) were related to increasing age (p=0.006), radial head fractures (p=0.003) and increasing fracture complexity according to the Mason classification (p<0.001). Social deprivation was related to the mean age at the time of fracture and the mechanism of injury (p<0.05 for both). Conclusions. Proximal radial fractures are frequently fragility fractures affecting older females and assessment for osteoporosis is recommended.
Purpose: Metal radial head arthroplasty is a proven technique for the treatment of
We have achieved a retrospective study in 37 cases of
In patients with a failed radial head arthroplasty (RHA), simple removal of the implant is an option. However, there is little information in the literature about the outcome of this procedure. The aim of this study was to review the mid-term clinical and radiological results, and the rate of complications and removal of the implant, in patients whose initial RHA was undertaken acutely for trauma involving the elbow. A total of 11 patients in whom removal of a RHA without reimplantation was undertaken as a revision procedure were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 8.4 years (6 to 11). The range of motion (ROM) and stability of the elbow were recorded. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The functional outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Radiological examination included the assessment of heterotopic ossification (HO), implant loosening, capitellar erosion, overlengthening, and osteoarthritis. Complications and the rate of further surgery were also recorded.Aims
Methods
Most fractures of the radial head are stable
undisplaced or minimally displaced partial fractures without an associated
fracture of the elbow or forearm or ligament injury, where stiffness
following non-operative management is the primary concern. Displaced
unstable fractures of the radial head are usually associated with other
fractures or ligament injuries, and restoration of radiocapitellar
contact by reconstruction or prosthetic replacement of the fractured
head is necessary to prevent subluxation or dislocation of the elbow
and forearm. In fractures with three or fewer fragments (two articular
fragments and the neck) and little or no metaphyseal comminution,
open reduction and internal fixation may give good results. However,
fragmented unstable fractures of the radial head are prone to early
failure of fixation and nonunion when fixed. Excision of the radial
head is associated with good long-term results, but in patients
with instability of the elbow or forearm, prosthetic replacement
is preferred. This review considers the characteristics of stable and unstable
fractures of the radial head, as well as discussing the debatable
aspects of management, in light of the current best evidence. Cite this article: