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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_4 | Pages 88 - 88
1 Feb 2017
Levy J Formaini N Kurowicki J
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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 complex radial head fractures has yielded excellent clinical outcomes despite high rates of radiographic loosening and stress shielding. Press-fit RHA in the setting of ligamentous injury warrants further investigation due to a high rate of implant loosening observed