Arthroscopic radial head excision in managing elbow trauma

Purpose

This study describes a case series of 15 patients with radial head fractures who underwent radial head excision using an arthroscopic technique.

Methods

Over a four year period, 15 patients (average age 49.6 years) who had sustained a radial head or radial neck fracture underwent an arthroscopic excision of the radial head. Four patients had an unreconstructable comminuted fracture (early group; EG) and 11 patients had pain and loss of motion with an associated non- or malunion (late group; LG).

Results

The mean time to surgery following injury was three weeks (one to five) for the EG and 27 weeks (eight–58) for the LG. The average visual analogue scale (VAS) was 1.7 (zero to four), and the average Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 24.7 (16–44). At final follow-up, average supination was 62.0° (range 45–75°) and pronation was 63.3° (range 45–75°). There were no complications.

Conclusion

This series demonstrates that arthroscopic excision of fractures of the radial head and neck is reliable, reproducible and safe, with similar results to open excision. There may also be additional benefits in the short term with regards to speed of healing and rehabilitation.