The metal prosthesis in radial head fracture: indications and preliminary results

Chir Organi Mov. 2005 Jul-Sep;90(3):253-70.
[Article in English, Italian]

Abstract

Radial head displaced irreparable fracture is an indication for prosthesis; it becomes elective also when there are associated injuries of the skeletal and ligamentous stabilization systems. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the functional and radiographic results in 10 patients (mean age 39.6 yrs; minimum 20, maximum 80) submitted to radial head replacement. There were 4 Mason-Johnston type IV Rochwerger subtype "b" fractures, 7 type III fractures (1 associated with an Essex-Lopresti injury and 1 with fracture of the ulnar proximal metaepiphysis). Mean follow-up was 24.6 months (minimum 18, maximum 32). Postoperative functional evaluation of the elbow and ipsilateral wrist was carried out using the ESSSE/SECEC form (mean score 80.7/100; minimum 63, maximum 96) and the PRWE (mean score 11.1; minimum 0, maximum 36) respectively. Radiographically there were postoperative calcifications in 30% of cases and periprosthetic lucency in 40%. The results of this study encourage the use of a metal prosthesis, but a longer follow-up is needed for a better evaluation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Elbow Joint / physiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Comminuted / complications
  • Fractures, Comminuted / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metals
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Radius Fractures / complications
  • Radius Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Radius Fractures / surgery*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulna Fractures / complications
  • Ulna Fractures / surgery

Substances

  • Metals