J Korean Fract Soc.  2015 Apr;28(2):125-131. 10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.2.125.

The Short Term Results of Radial Head Arthroplasty with Unipolar Loose Fit Stem

• Lee SK
• Song KS
• Lee SH
• Yoon SP
• Lim SY

• KMID: 2044020
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.2.125

Abstract

PURPOSE
We report short-term results of radial head prosthesis using a unipolar loose fit stem in ten patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten patients with Mason type three radial head fracture, who received unipolar radial head arthroplasty from February 2010 to June 2011, were evaluated (mean follow-up: 22 months, range: 18-30 months). Subjects consisted of five men and five women. Range of elbow motion was measured. Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) score was used for functional evaluation and periodic radiological imaging was performed to evaluate the stability of implant.
RESULTS
After an average follow-up of 22 months, elbow stability was maintained in all cases, and the average range of motion of elbow flexion and extension was 6 to 130 degrees. Average range of pronation and supination was 66 and 74 degrees, respectively. MEPI score was evaluated as excellent in seven cases, and good in three cases. On final follow-up, radiological assessment showed implant stability in all cases without evidence of dislocation, subluxation, arthritis, periprosthetic osteolysis or heterotopic ossification.
CONCLUSION
Based on our short-term follow-up, radial head arthroplasty with unipolar loose fit stem is a useful method for obtaining satisfactory outcome for unreducible comminuted radial head fractures.

Keyword

Elbow; Radial head fracture; Unipolar radial head arthroplasty; Loose fit stem

MeSH Terms

Arthritis
Arthroplasty*
Dislocations
Elbow
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Head*
Humans
Male
Ossification, Heterotopic
Osteolysis
Pronation
Prostheses and Implants
Range of Motion, Articular
Supination

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Preoperative antero-posterior (A) and lateral (B) radiographs show a serious triad injury. At 12 months after the operation, antero-posterior (C) and lateral (D) radiographs of the elbow show a well aligned ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar joint. Tension band wirings for fracture of ulnar olecranon was applied simultaneously.

• 

  Fig. 2 At 24 months after the operation, antero-posterior (A) and lateral (B) radiographs show osteolysis around the proximal radius and stem and a loose prosthesis from the cemented bipolar replacement group.

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