Management of the failed radial head arthroplasty

Minimum 10-year follow-up after open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures Mason type II and III

BACKGROUND

The treatment of complex radial head fractures remains controversial with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), radial head arthroplasty, and radial head excision being the most common treatment options. While ORIF is the preferred treatment strategy for Mason type II fractures, the optimal treatment of Mason type III fractures is debated. The purpose of this study was to report minimum 10-year outcomes after ORIF of Mason type II and type III radial head fractures. We hypothesized that both Mason Type II and Type III fracture patients would demonstrate satisfactory clinical outcomes at minimum 10-year follow-up.

METHODS

All patients with Mason type II or III radial head fractures who were treated with ORIF by a single surgeon between 2005 and 2010 were included. Fractures with significant bone defects were treated with bone grafts and elbow ligament injuries were treated with either primary ligament repair or reconstruction. Patient reported outcome questionnaires were administered at the time of last clinical follow-up and at a minimum of 10 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients, including 13 male and 11 female patients with an average age of 39 (range 19-60) at the time of surgery met inclusion criteria. Thirteen patients suffered from Mason type II and 11 patients from Mason type III fractures. At initial follow-up, 21 out of 24 fractures (88%) demonstrated radiographic union. Three nonunions, 2 of which were Mason type III fractures, were treated with revision ORIF and iliac crest bone grafting. 11 patients developed postoperative elbow stiffness and required capsular release surgery. At last clinical follow-up, average flexion was 139°, average extension was 4°, average supination was 77°, and average pronation was 81°. The median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 7 (ranging from 0 to 32). Minimum 10-year follow-up (mean: 14.6 years) was collected on 18 of 24 (75%) of the patients. At a minimum of 10 years postoperatively, the median QuickDASH score was 4.5 (range: 0 to 25) and the median SANE score was 96.5 (range: 75-100). Median satisfaction with the surgical outcome was 10 of 10 (range: 3-10).

CONCLUSION

ORIF of Mason type II and III radial head fractures results in high union rates with good functional outcomes at a mean of 14.6 years postoperatively. The study results suggest that ORIF of Mason type II and III radial head fractures leads to long-term positive functional outcomes.

Revision radiocapitellar arthroplasty by mismatched implant components - A salvage option: A report of two cases with a minimum three-year follow-up

Radiocapitellar arthroplasty has been shown to improve pain and function in patients with a degenerative joint. Due to problems with the loosening of the radial head component, one of the few available systems was removed from the global market. This offered specific challenges in terms of treatment strategies when one or both components of a system that is no longer available fail. Due to the very different geometry of the capitellar implant, revision of the capitellar component would require a complex procedure, likely requiring bone graft and a high chance of early failure, leaving resection or interposition arthroplasty as the only available option. Although implant mismatch is common practice in hip and knee arthroplasty with satisfactory results, it should remain a salvage option as the off-label use of components gives rise to several medicolegal implications. We report two cases of radiocapitellar arthroplasty partial revision, by replacing only the radial head component with an implant from another system while keeping the well-fixed original capitellar component in place. At a minimum of three-year follow-up, both cases improved from poor to good and excellent Mayo elbow performance scores. There were no signs of implant failure on standard radiographs.

Failed radial head arthroplasty treated by removal of the implant

Aims

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.

Methods

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.

Results

The indications for removal of the implant were stiffness in five patients, aseptic loosening in five, and pain attributed to the RHA in three. The mean time interval between RHA for trauma to removal was ten months (7 to 21). Preoperatively, three patients had overlengthening of the implant, three had capitellar erosion, six had HO, and four had radiological evidence of loosening. At the final follow-up, the mean the flexion-extension arc improved significantly by 38.2° (95% CI 20 to 59; p = 0.002) and the mean arc of prono-supination improved significantly by 20° (95% CI 0 to 72.5; p = 0.035). The mean pain VAS score improved significantly by 3.5 (95% CI 2 to 5.5; p = 0.004). The mean MEPS improved significantly by 27.5 (95% CI 17.5 to 42.5; p = 0.002). The mean OES improved significantly by 9 (95% CI 2.5 to 14; p = 0.012), and the mean DASH score improved significantly by 23.5 (95% CI 7.5 to 31.6; p = 0.012). Ten patients (91%) had HO and osteoarthritis. Two patients underwent further surgery due to stiffness and pain, respectively.

Conclusion

Simple removal of the implant at revision surgery following a failed RHA introduced following trauma provides satisfactory mid-term results with an acceptable risk of complications. Osteoarthritis, instability, and radioulnar impingement were not problems in this series.

Uncementing the status quo: systematic review of a loose-fit, polished stem radial head prosthesis shows stable clinical results in complex elbow injuries with a concomitant radial head fracture

INTRODUCTION

Selecting the optimal radial head prosthesis to treat radial head fractures, especially in the context of complex elbow injuries like terrible triad, Monteggia, and Essex Lopresti, can be challenging, as there is currently no consensus in the field that favors a particular design. This study investigated the safety and performance of a Polished Stem Radial Head Prosthesis (PS RHP) compared to other modern RHP designs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to capture data on a Polished Stem Radial Head Prosthesis (PS RHP) and other Radial Head Prostheses (RHPs). Functional scores, range of motion, complications, and revisions were extracted from published literature and analyzed in parallel with the percentage of complex injuries. Comparison of functional outcomes between groups were based on minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs).

RESULTS

There were 16 articles reporting on 711 cases of the PS RHP and 23 articles reporting on 605 cases of other RHPs included in the systematic literature review. Functional scores and range of motion were similar amongst the groups. The PS RHP design achieved a comparable revision rate as other RHPs despite a higher number of terrible triad injuries. Notably, the PS RHP group showed a significantly lower rate of instability (1.0%) than other RHPs (3.4%) (p < 0.05). Other complication rates were similar amongst the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The PS RHP group had higher rates of terrible triads at baseline compared to the other RHPs group. Regardless of greater injury complexity, the clinical outcomes of the PS RHP group were favorable and resulted in a significantly lower rate of postoperative instability as compared to other RHPs.

The impact of anatomic alignment on radiocapitellar pressure following radial head arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The incidence of radial head fractures is increasing, and radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is being more frequently used as treatment for irreparable fractures. Our objective was to compare radiocapitellar pressure between the native joint and 2 radial head prosthesis conditions: (1) a prosthetic head that was aligned to the forearm axis of rotation and (2) the same prosthesis with an axisymmetric nonaligned head.

METHODS

Ten cadaveric specimens received a pressfit radial head prosthesis (Align; Skeletal Dynamics) for both prosthetic testing conditions. Anatomic alignment (AL) was defined as the prosthetic head aligned to the forearm axis of rotation. Axisymmetric alignment (AX) was defined as the prosthetic radial head aligned to the axis of the prosthetic stem. Axial load was applied with the elbow in extension and the forearm pronated. Data were collected using a Tekscan 4000 sensor.

RESULTS

The mean pressure in the AL and AX groups were significantly higher than the mean pressure in the native joint. Compared with the native joint, the mean pressure was 19% higher in the AL group and 56% higher in the AX group. Peak pressure beyond 5 MPa occurred in 0 specimens in the native joint group, in 1 specimen (10%) in the AL group, and in 5 specimens (50%) in the AX group.

DISCUSSION

Our results demonstrated that a pressfit radial head prosthesis aligned with the forearm axis of rotation yields capitellar pressures that were more similar to the native condition than a nonaligned pressfit prosthesis. These findings suggest that anatomic alignment may optimize capitellar wear properties, improving the long-term durability of radial head arthroplasty.

Radial head arthroplasty diameter impact on elbow kinematics evaluated by dynamic radiostereometric analysis

Purpose

Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) reestablishes elbow stability after complex radial head fracture, but complication rates are high, possibly due to inappropriate implant sizing. Knowledge of impact of radial head implant diameter on elbow kinematics is limited and warranted. This study evaluated elbow kinematics of different radial head implant diameters after RHA using dynamic radiostereometric analysis (dRSA).

Methods

Eight human donor arms were examined with dRSA during elbow flexion with the forearm in unloaded neutral position, and in supinated- and pronated position without and with 10N either varus or valgus load, respectively. Elbow kinematics were examined before and after RHA with head diameters of anatomical size, -2 mm (undersized), and +2 mm (oversized). The ligaments were kept intact by use of step-cut humerus osteotomy for repeated RHA exchange. Bone models were obtained from CT, and by AutoRSA software bone models were matched with dRSA recordings. The elbow kinematics were described using anatomical coordinate systems.

Results

Compared to the native radial head during elbow flexion, the anatomical sized RHA shifted 2.0 mm in ulnar direction during unloaded pronated forearm position. The undersized RHA shifted 1.5 mm in posterior direction and 2.1 mm in ulnar direction during unloaded pronated forearm position and increased the varus angle by 2.4° during supinated loaded forearm position. The oversized RHA shifted 1.6 mm in radial direction during loaded supinated forearm position.

Conclusions

The anatomically sized RHA should be preferred as it maintained native elbow kinematics the best. The kinematic changes with oversized and undersized RHA diameters were small, suggesting forgiveness for the RHA diameter size.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Recovery Trajectories Following Complex Elbow Injuries and Radial Head Arthroplasty: A Longitudinal Study Over 8 Years

PURPOSE

Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is commonly performed to manage comminuted unreconstructible radial head fractures. Although the outcomes of RHA are often satisfactory, revisions are usually considered when pain intensity is higher than expected. Therefore, it is important to investigate the recovery trajectories of patients following RHA over an extended period and the characteristics that may lead to unfavorable outcomes.

METHODS

The Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE) was used to assess recovery in 94 patients at baseline (within 2-7 days after surgery); 3 and 6 months; and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years after RHA. Lower PREE values indicate lower pain and disability. Latent growth curve analysis was used to determine classes of recovery. The characteristics of the participants in the identified recovery trajectory classes were then compared.

RESULTS

Two distinct recovery trajectories were identified: optimal and suboptimal recoveries. Most patients (84%) belonged to the optimal recovery class, which exhibited significantly lower baseline PREE scores, a consistent pattern of recovery, and a relatively high rate of change. Patients in the suboptimal recovery class (16%) had significantly higher baseline PREE scores and continued to experience relatively higher levels of pain and disability for the duration of the study; their rate of recovery was much slower. Patients belonging to the 2 recovery trajectories did not differ based on age or sex. Although we had low power in other variables, a qualitative exploration showed that the number of current or previous smokers was higher in the suboptimal recovery trajectory class.

CONCLUSIONS

In this longitudinal cohort study, we show that high postsurgical pain and disability, and potentially smoking, may adversely affect the recovery trajectory following RHA. Clinicians are recommended to assess these potential factors while considering revision surgeries.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.

Biomechanical comparison of different internal fixation devices for transversely unstable Mason type II radial head fractures

Background: The integrity of the radial head is critical to maintaining elbow joint stability. For radial head fractures requiring surgical treatment, headless compression cannulated screw fixation is a less invasive scheme that has fewer complications. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical stability of different fixation devices, including headless compression cannulated screws and mini-T-plates, for the fixation of transversely unstable radial head fractures. Methods: Forty identical synthetic radius bones were used to construct transverse unstable radial head fracture models. Parallel, cross, and tripod headless compression cannulated screw fixation and mini-T plate fixation were applied. The structural stiffness of each group was compared by static shear loading. Afterward, cyclic loading was performed in each of the three directions of the radial head, and the shear stability of each group was compared by calculating the maximum radial head displacement at the end of the cycle. Findings: The mini-T plate group had the lowest structural stiffness (51.8 ± 7.7 N/mm) and the highest relative displacement of the radial head after cyclic loading (p < 0.05). The tripod headless compression cannulated screw group had the highest structural stiffness among all screw groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the relative displacement of the radial head between the screw groups after cyclic loading in different directions (p > 0.05). Interpretation: In conclusion, the biomechanical stability of the mini-T plate for fixation of transverse unstable radial head fractures is lower than that of headless compression cannulated screws. Tripod fixation provides more stable fixation than parallel and cross fixation with headless compression cannulated screws for the treatment of transversely unstable radial head fractures.

After failed radial head arthroplasty, what are the options? Risk factors and results of revisions in a multicenter study

Introduction

Few multicenter studies have analyzed the outcome of revision surgery of radial head arthroplasties (RHA) in the medium term follow up. The objective is twofold: to determine the factors associated with revision of RHAs and to analyze the results of revision with 2 surgical techniques: isolated removal of the RHA or revision with a new RHA (R-RHA).

Hypothesis

There are associated factors of RHA revision and RHA revision results in satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients were included in this multicenter retrospective study, with all surgical indications for initial RHA being traumatic/post-traumatic. The mean age was 47 ± 13 years with a mean follow-up of 70 ± 48 months. This series included two groups: the isolated RHA removal group (n = 17) and the revision RHA with new radial head prosthesis (R-RHA) group (n = 11). Evaluation was clinical and radiological with univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Two factors associated with RHA revision were identified: a pre-existing capitellar lesion (p = 0.047) and a RHA placed for a secondary indication (<0.001). Revision for all 28 patients resulted in improved pain (pre-op Visual Analog Scale 4.7 ± 3 vs. post-op 1.57 ± 2.2, p < 0.001), mobilities (pre-op flexion 118 ± 20 vs. post-op 130 ± 13, p = 0.03; pre-op extension -30 ± 21 vs post-op -20 ± 15, p = 0.025; pre-op pronation 59 ± 12 vs post-op 72 ± 17, p = 0.04; pre-op supination 48 ± 2 vs post-op 65 ± 22, p = 0.027) and functional scores. Mobility and pain control were, for stable elbows, satisfactory in the isolated removal group. When the initial or revision indication was instability, the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand = 10 ± 5) and MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance score = 85 ± 16) scores were satisfactory in the R-RHA group.

Discussion

In the case of a radial head fracture, RHA is a satisfactory first-line solution without pre-existing capitellar injury, its results being much weaker in the case of ORIF failure and fracture sequelae. In case of RHA revision, isolated removal or R-RHA adapted according to the pre-operative radio-clinical exam.

Level of evidence

IV.

Long-Term Outcomes of Radial Head Arthroplasty in Complex Elbow Fracture Dislocation

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of radial head arthroplasty in complex elbow injuries through radiographic analysis and functional correlation. We evaluated 24 radial head arthroplasties in 24 consecutive patients with complex elbow fracture dislocation. All patients were treated with a single type of modular monopolar prosthesis containing smooth stem in press-fit implantation. Clinical survey using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), self-reported scales of shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) and the visual analog scale (VAS) at more than 10-year follow-up were reported and compared to 2-year outcomes. Periprosthetic osteolysis was measured in the 10 zones of prosthesis-cortical interface with a modified radiolucency score, which was calibrated by each prosthesis size. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to detect the association between periprosthetic radiolucency and clinical assessment. At the final follow-up, MEPS, QuickDASH score and VAS score averaged 82.5 ± 15, 14.1 ± 14.3 and 1.6 ± 1.2 respectively. A decline in functional status was noted, with decreased mean MEPS and increased mean QuickDASH and VAS scores as compared to the 2-year results while the difference was insignificant. Periprosthetic osteolysis was more prevalent around stem tip of zone 3 and zone 8. The final and 2-year radiolucency scores averaged 7.4 ± 4.2 and 2.6 ± 2.3 respectively with significant difference. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the difference between radiolucency scores and clinical outcomes in MEPS/QuickDASH/VAS was -0.836, 0.517 and 0.464. Progression of periprosthetic osteolysis after postoperative 10 years is more prevalent around the stem tip with moderate to high correlation to clinical outcomes. Sustained follow-up is warranted to justify subsequent surgery for revision or implant removal.