The early outcomes with titanium radial head implants in the treatment of radial head comminuted fractures

Abstract

The study assessed the early functional outcomes with cemented titanium implants of radius in the treatment of comminuted fractures of radial heads. The functional outcomes of arthroplasty with cemented titanium implants of radius in the treatment of radial head fractures (Mason Type III: 6; Mason Type IV: 4) in 10 consecutive patients (mean age, 38 years) were evaluated over a mean time of 23.7 months (18–31 months). The patients were assessed on the basis of physical examination, functional rating (Mayo) and radiographic findings. The parameters evaluated included motion, stability, pain, and grip strength. Five patients were considered to have excellent results, 4 patients had good results and 1 patient had fairly good results. There were no cases of infection, prosthetic failure, heterotopic ossification or dislocation. When medial collateral ligament was injured, radial head became the main stabilizing structure of the elbow. Titanium radial head implant may provide the stability similar to that of native radial head. We believe that titanium radial head implants may be indicated for the Mason Type III and Mason Type IV radial head fractures.

Keywords

radial head / fracture / replacement / bone cement

References

[1] Von-RietR. P., MorreyB. F., O’DriscollS. W., et al.. Associated injuries complicating radial head fractures: A demographic study. Clin Orthop, 2005, 441: 351-355

[2] MikicZ. D., VukadinovicS. M.. Late results in fractures of the radial head treated by excision. Clin Orthop, 1983, 181: 220-228

[3] GeelC. W., PalmerA. K.. Radial head fractures and their effect on the distal radioulnar joint: a rationale for treatment. Clin Orthop, 1992, 275: 79-84

[4] HarringtonI. J., Sekyi-OtuA., BarringtonT. W., et al.. The functional outcome with metallic radial head implants in the treatment of unstable elbow fractures: a long-term review. J Trauma, 2001, 50: 46-52

[5] JudetT., Garreau de LoubresseC., PiriouP., et al.. A floating prosthesis for radial head fractures. J Bone Joint Surg, 1996, 78B: 244-250

[6] GlabbeekF., RietR. P., BaumfeldJ. A., et al.. Detrimental effects of overstuffing or understuffing with a radial head replacement in the medial collateral-ligament deficient elbow. J Bone Joint Surg, 2004, 86A: 2629-2635