[Destruction of the radial head : Endoprosthesis, autologous reconstruction or anconeus arthroplasty?]

Midterm outcomes of a short-cemented bipolar radial head arthroplasty, in a cohort of 56 cases with minimum 2-years follow-up

BACKGROUND

Radial head prostheses are used in comminuted radial head fractures for elbow stabilisation when reduction and internal fixation is not possible. Several implant designs exist, but no large series exist about a short-cemented and bipolar implant.

HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis was that this prosthesis design shows good clinical, functional, and radiological results, with acceptable rate of complications.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study included the prostheses with bipolar design and short-cemented stem (Evolutive™), with a minimum 2-years follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All prosthesis implanted in our Traumatology Center were included, with minimum 2-years follow-up. The evaluation consisted of a clinical and functional evaluation, associated with an independent radiographic assessment. All complications were listed, as long as rate and reasons for implant removal.

RESULTS

Fifty-six implants were studied with a mean follow-up of 64.9months (24 to 119). Fifty-three cases were acute injuries with 16% isolated radial head fractures and 76% complex elbow injury such as ulno-humeral, radio-ulnar or longitudinal forearm instability. Fifty (89%) implants were still in place at last follow-up. The main reason for implant removal was during arthrolysis procedure. Ranges of motion were: 126° in flexion, 9° of extension loss, 76° of pronation and 79° of supination. Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 84.1 with 72% of excellent or good results, and the median quick-DASH was rated 18.2. Radiographic evaluation found 12% significant ulno-humeral arthtitis, 64% capitellar osteopenia and 12% loosening. We recorded 5% of implant-related complications.

DISCUSSION

The short-cemented stem bipolar radial head prosthesis presents clinical and functional results similar to other radial head prosthesis with low incidence of elbow arthritis, when treating both isolated radial head fracture or complexes elbow injury. This implant should therefore be valid for treating comminuted radial head fractures in all types of traumatological injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; Retrospective cohort study.

Radial Head Resection and Corium Interposition Arthroplasty in Skeletally Immature Patients With Isolated Posttraumatic Radial Head Arthrosis

Radiocapitellar arthrosis represents a serious sequela of pediatric elbow injuries. Although persistent pain and disability are not uncommon in such cases, treatment remains controversial. The present study aimed to review the clinical outcomes after a new surgical treatment with partial radial head resection and corium interposition arthroplasty. To date, 3 adolescent cases underwent the surgical procedure and postoperative care. Thorough clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed. The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.4 years (range, 13 to 16 y) and mean duration of follow-up was 19 months (range, 12 to 29 mo). The postoperative range of motion was maintained in all cases. The outcome was rated as excellent in all 3 patients for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (mean, 3; range, 0 to 6.7) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (mean, 92; range, 80 to 100). The mean Timmermann score; however, was still rated as fair despite marked improvements (mean, 153; range, 145 to 165). No complications such as elbow stiffness, osteophytes formation, radial head overgrowth, or proximal radius migration occurred. In pediatric isolated posttraumatic radiocapitellar arthrosis, we believe that radial head resection and corium interposition arthroplasty is an effective salvage procedure to alleviate symptoms and maintain elbow function with good to excellent clinical outcomes and no proximal migration of the radius.