Radial head prosthesis after fracture of radial head with associated elbow instability

Introduction: Fractures of the radial head and associated elbow instability can be treated with operation with radial head prosthesis. In this study, we evaluate function 1–7 years after implantation and also function after removal of five prostheses. Material and methods: Eighteen patients with radial head fracture and associated elbow instability were evaluated 3.7 years (1–7) after implantation of a radial head prosthesis. Pain at rest and during activity was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Test of stability and neurological examination was done manually as well as measurement of the range of motion, using a goniometer. Activity of daily living (ADL) was estimated using five questions where the answers were graded between 1 and 3. The patients were asked to grade their general satisfaction according to the following scale; very satisfied, satisfied, not satisfied, disappointed. Plain X-rays were taken and 14 patients agreed to have their elbow strength evaluated using the validated BTE work simulator. Results: Five prostheses had been extracted due to poor range of motion. All these patients improved after extraction. All elbows were stable. No patient with extracted prosthesis had VAS score >2. The mean extension defect for this group was 15° (5–25) compared to the mean extension defect for the 13 patients with the prosthesis still in place 15° (0–40). The highest VAS score for the patients with prosthesis was five but the mean as low as 0.8. In the whole group, 13 patients were pain free. ADL function was good in general. The X-rays of the prostheses, still in place, showed radiolucent lines in 7 of the 13 patients. In the whole group, there was a significant decrease in supination, flexion and extension strength (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.05). Discussion: Radial head prosthesis works as a spacer after fracture of the radial head and associated instability. If range of motion is much restricted post-operatively, the prosthesis can be removed with improved function as result.     

Radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocations treated by immediate stabilization and early motion.

Twenty-one elbow dislocations with an associated radial head fracture were treated with immediate joint reduction, stabilization, and early range-of-motion exercises. In all cases initial treatment involved closed reduction of the ulnohumeral joint. For those cases involving minimally displaced and a few moderately displaced radial head fractures, treatment consisted of benign neglect (4 of 21). Of the more severely displaced fractures (17 of 21), 9 were treated with open-reduction internal fixation and 8 with immediate silicone head replacement. Despite radial head treatment, 6 of these cases remained unstable, prompting primary repair of collateral ligaments; 3 eventually required application of a hinged fixator as a salvage option. Results confirmed that initial radial head displacement predicts functional outcome. Our study demonstrates that fracture dislocations of the elbow demand a broad consideration of treatment options and that reconstruction of elbow stability requires either primary repair of collateral ligaments or the possible use of a hinged fixator device.     

Radial head prosthesis with a mobile head

Radial head replacement is a useful method in the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures. Because such injuries are a common clinical problem and many complications have been reported after radial head replacements, a new radial head prosthesis is proposed. This new design, based on the shape-dimensional identification of the radial head, consists of two parts. The head, made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, is articulated with a Vitallium stem. A series of functional quality and strength tests were conducted on this new prosthetic design. The implant was also examined via the finite element method. General preclinical investigations of clinical cases show that this prosthesis is a very promising design.     

Radial head dislocations in children with below-elbow deficiencies

Two thirds of the children who have below-elbow deficiencies, congenital or acquired, have concomitant radial head dislocations. The direction of the dislocation depends largely on the length of the residual limb. The dislocation does not require specific surgical treatment and rarely necessitates prosthetic modification.     

Radial head prosthesis: results overview

Background/purpose

Radial head replacement is frequently used in treatment of radial head fractures or sequela. Impossibility to restore a correct anatomy, acute elbow traumatic instability and failure of osteosynthesis hardware are the most common indications. The authors describe their case studies and results on the implantation of various radial head prostheses.

Materials

Between June 2005 and June 2016, 28 radial head prostheses were implanted in the same number of patients with an average follow-up of 49 months (6–104). Indications for implantation were: Mason type III and IV radial head fractures and post-traumatic arthritis due to failure of previous treatments. Monopolar prostheses were used and were press-fit implanted via Kaplan’s lateral access and Kocher’s anconeus approach to the humeroradial joint. At the follow-up, assessments were made of the pain, according to the visual analogic scale, range of motion (ROM), stability and functionality according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, presence of osteolysis and mobilization during radiography tests, personal satisfaction of the patients, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation outcomes measurements.

Results

At the follow-up, we recorded an average level of pain of 1.8 in patients under acute treatments for radial head fractures and a marked reduction in the remaining cases from 6.7 to 2.1. ROM was found on average to be 107° of flexion–extension and 159° of pronosupination. Personal satisfaction was good–excellent in 23 cases. There was no case of infection; removal of the implant was necessary in three cases due to mobilization of the stem and oversized implants. In six cases, bone resorption was seen at the level of the prosthetic collar and it was in all cases asymptomatic.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the use of prostheses, if well positioned, is a valid solution in the treatment of secondary arthritis and fractures of the radial head with poor prognosis, with good results in the reduction of pain, recovery of movement and improved quality of life.

     

人工桡骨头置换治疗肘关节不稳定的桡骨头粉碎性骨折

目的探讨钛制人工桡骨头置换治疗肘关节不稳定的桡骨头粉碎性骨折的疗效。方法自2000年1月至2003年8月采用钛制人工桡骨头置换治疗肘关节不稳定的桡骨头粉碎性骨折18例,男13例,女5例;年龄24～47岁,平均34.8岁。左侧8例,右侧10例。合并同侧肘关节其他骨折3例,其中桡骨近端粉碎性骨折1例,尺骨冠状突骨折2例;合并同侧上肢其他部位骨折4例,其中桡骨远端骨折3例,肱骨外科颈骨折1例。按Mason分型,Ⅲ型10例,Ⅳ型7例,Essex-Lopresti损伤1例;所有患者均为闭合性损伤,除4例为伤后3周以上的陈旧性骨折脱位外,其余均为伤后2周内的新鲜损伤。伤后至手术的时间平均为9d(4～26d)。结果术后平均随访29个月(12～44个月)。按Broberg和Morrey评估标准进行功能评定,优8例(44.4%),良8例(44.4%),可1例(5.6%),差1例(5.6%),优良率为88.9%。未见切口感染、神经损伤、金属异物反应、肘外翻增大及腕部畸形等并发症。X线片显示置换的桡骨头假体稳定,未发现桡骨短缩、上移和下尺桡关节半脱位。假体的生物相容性良好,未见炎性反应和金属异物反应。6例肘部有轻度异位骨化,但未对肘和前臂的运动造成明显影响。结论钛制人工桡骨头置换治疗肘关节不稳定的桡骨头粉碎性骨折可获得比较满意的疗效。     

Radial head prosthesis: surgical tips and tricks

Radial head prostheses (RHP) have been developed to decrease the complications rate following a radial head resection surgery. The aim of the RHP is to replicate the physiological radiocapitellar tracking, reproducing the mechanical function of the native radial head: to stabilize the elbow and to shear the forces passing through the elbow along with the other stabilizers. The currently used RHP models try to achieve this target with three different prosthesis’ strategies: (a) loose fit stem, (b) bipolar radial head or (c) anatomical radial head. Even if the radial head fixation is the preferred technique in every possible case and the resection can be still considered a possible option, in the last years there has been a growing worldwide consensus in using the radial head replacement in patients with unfixable radial head fractures, especially if associated with complex elbow instability. However, complications after a RHP are not uncommon, and their rate is raising as long as the implants number are increasing. The main difficulties are due to the implantation technique that needs to be performed with the same attention and precision used for the replacement of all the other joints, and to the concurrent treatment of the associated lesions. A personalized postoperative rehabilitation program is essential for obtaining good results and decreasing the complications rate. Concern exists for the young age of the patients that often require a RHP: personal experience and literature analysis suggest that if the clinical and radiographic results are positive after a 6–12-month follow-up, good outcomes can be also expected at a medium- or long-term follow-up.     

Radial head arthroplasty with an uncemented modular metallic radial head prosthesis: short- and mid-term results

Background  

In comminuted radial head fractures, arthroplasty is an alternative treatment to open reduction and internal fixation or radial head excision. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and mid-term results after the implantation of the EVOLVE™ uncemented modular metallic radial head prosthesis.     

Standard surgical protocol to treat elbow dislocations with radial head and coronoid fractures

BACKGROUND: The results of elbow dislocations with associated radial head and coronoid fractures are often poor because of recurrent instability and stiffness from prolonged immobilization. We managed these injuries with a standard surgical protocol, postulating that early intervention, stable fixation, and repair would provide sufficient stability to allow motion at seven to ten days postoperatively and enhance functional outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results of this treatment performed, at two university-affiliated teaching hospitals, in thirty-six consecutive patients (thirty-six elbows) with an elbow dislocation and an associated fracture of both the radial head and the coronoid process. Our surgical protocol included fixation or replacement of the radial head, fixation of the coronoid fracture if possible, repair of associated capsular and lateral ligamentous injuries, and in selected cases repair of the medial collateral ligament and/or adjuvant hinged external fixation. Patients were evaluated both radiographically and with a clinical examination at the time of the latest follow-up. RESULTS: At a mean of thirty-four months postoperatively, the flexion-extension arc of the elbow averaged 112 degrees +/- 11 degrees and forearm rotation averaged 136 degrees +/- 16 degrees. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88 points (range, 45 to 100 points), which corresponded to fifteen excellent results, thirteen good results, seven fair results, and one poor result. Concentric stability was restored to thirty-four elbows. Eight patients had complications requiring a reoperation: two had a synostosis; one, recurrent instability; four, hardware removal and elbow release; and one, a wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Use of our surgical protocol for elbow dislocations with associated radial head and coronoid fractures restored sufficient elbow stability to allow early motion postoperatively, enhancing the functional outcome. We recommend early operative repair with a standard protocol for these injuries.     

Treatment of chronically unreduced complex dislocations of the elbow

Chronic dislocation of the elbow is an exceedingly disabling condition associated with severe instability, limitation of elbow function and significant pain. Due to the potentially conflicting goals of restoring elbow stability and regaining a satisfactory arc of motion, successful treatment is a challenge for the experienced trauma surgeon. We report our treatment strategy in three patients suffering from chronically unreduced fracture-dislocations of the elbow. The treatment protocol consists of in situ neurolysis of the ulnar nerve, distraction and reduction of the joint using unilateral hinged external fixation and repair of the osseous stabilizers. A stable elbow was achieved in all patients, without the need of reconstruction of the collateral ligaments. At final follow-up, the average extension/flexion arc of motion was 107° (range, from 100° to 110°). The average MEPI score at follow-up was 93, and the average DASH score was 19. This is a promising treatment protocol for the treatment of chronically unreduced complex elbow dislocations to restore elbow stability and regain an excellent functional outcome.     

Radial head replacement with a pyrocarbon head prosthesis: preliminary results of a multicentric prospective study

The authors present the preliminary results of a multicentric prospective study of 30 cases treated by a new radial head prosthesis (MoPyc). This new modular radial head prosthesis is composed of a cementless titanium stem and a 15° angulated neck. The head is in pyrocarbon and enables an optimal couple of friction between the implant and cartilage. This multicentric prospective study includes 30 patients (19 men and 11 women, mean age 50 years). The mean follow-up was 18 months (6–29 months). The main etiology was a radial head fracture with elbow instability. The post-operative evaluation was clinical and included the Broberg–Morrey score and the Mayo Clinic Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The radiological evaluation included the stability of the elbow, the fixation of the prosthesis and the interface between the pyrocarbon head and the humeral condyl and the distal radio-ulnar joint. At the time of follow-up, the average Broberg–Morrey score was 88/100, with 77% of good and excellent results. The average MEPS was 95/100, with 97% of good and excellent results. Elbow flexion averaged 122°, extension −15°, pronation 74° and supination 72°. Elbow stability was good in all the cases, and no proximal migration of the radius occurred. Asymptomatic bone lucencies were found in five cases (three stress shieldings, under the neck of the prosthesis, two around the stem). Complications included two cases of proximal radio-ulnar synostosis and one under stuffing of the prosthesis (which was re-operated shortly after the first implantation) with a good final result. One case demonstrated a tendency to posterior subluxation during heavy work. The preliminary results of 30 patients treated by this radial head prosthesis with a pyrocarbon head are encouraging at a follow-up of 18 months. The shape and the modularity of this prosthesis provide a good stability and function of the elbow and allow an easy implantation regardless of the level of resection. The contact between the articular surfaces and the pyrocarbon head should ensure the durability of this arthroplasty. However, a longer follow-up is required.

Fracture of the radial head with associated elbow dislocation: results of treatment using a floating radial head prosthesis

OBJECTIVES: To assess elbow function, complications, and problems of radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation receiving surgical treatment with a floating prosthesis. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: University Hospital, Orthopaedic Department, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium. PATIENTS: Eleven consecutive adult patients were treated with a floating prosthesis for acute radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation from January 1994 to September 1996. INTERVENTION: The floating radial head prosthesis (Tornier SA, Saint-Ismier, France) was used in all our patients. The implant is in two parts: a radial head made of high-density polyethylene enclosed in a cobalt-chrome cup, which articulates in a semiconstrained manner with the spherical end of a cemented intramedullary stem. The implants were inserted within the first week following the injury (range 2 to 7 days). Three cases also required internal fixation of the coronoid process of the ulna; in one case plate fixation of an olecranon fracture was also performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients were assessed by physical examination, a functional rating index (Morrey et al.), and radiographs. The parameters evaluated were motion, stability, pain, and grip strength. Potential complications such as infection, prosthetic failure, or dislocation were investigated. RESULTS: The minimum follow-up time was two years (mean 32 months, range 24 to 56 months). Four patients were considered to have excellent results, four patients were considered to have good results, two patients had fair results, and one patient had a poor result. There were no cases of infection, prosthetic failure, or dislocation. No patient required prosthetic revision. CONCLUSION: The basic principle of maintaining anatomic and physiologic relationships applies when deciding on treatment for radial head fractures with associated elbow dislocation. The loss of lateral osseous support will render the elbow grossly unstable. We believe that a floating prosthesis may be indicated in Mason Type III radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation, especially in the presence of associated destabilizing fractures. Well-controlled comparative randomized studies will be needed to delineate the optimal treatment for a given situation.     

Radial head,radiocapitellar and total elbow arthroplasties: A review of recent literature

The outcome of prosthetic elbow surgery is continually evolving. We thoroughly reviewed the literature on this issue to analyse the indications, outcomes and complications of the numerous types of implants currently in use. Radial head replacement is recommended in comminuted fractures of the radial head and in post-traumatic conditions. Medium- and long-term results prove to be satisfactory in the majority of cases, with no evidence to indicate that some prostheses (monopolar vs. bipolar; cemented vs. press-fit) are more effective than others; nonetheless, the bipolar-cemented implant was found to be associated with a lower revision rate than other prostheses. Unicompartmental arthroplasty has recently been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis when the lateral compartment is prevalently involved; the results reported to date have been encouraging, although further studies are warranted to confirm the validity of these implants. Total elbow arthroplasty is performed in a range of conditions, including distal humerus fractures in the elderly and elbow arthritis. In the former condition, linked elbow replacement yields excellent results with few complications and a low revision rate. In elbow arthritis, total elbow arthroplasty is indicated when patients suffer from disabling pain, stiffness and/or instability that prevent them from performing daily activities. Unlinked elbow arthroplasty, which is used above all in rheumatoid arthritis, also yields satisfactory results, although the risk of instability persists. The use of linked elbow arthroplasty, which yields similar results but lower revision rates, has consequently increased. Lastly, the results yielded by linked elbow prosthesis in post-traumatic conditions are good, although not quite as good as those obtained in rheumatoid arthritis. Early mechanical failure may occur in younger and more active patients after elbow arthroplasty. However, the careful selection of patients who are prepared to accept functional limitations imposed by elbow implants will enable indications for elbow arthroplasty to be extended to young subjects, particularly when no other therapeutic options are available.     

人工桡骨头置换治疗桡骨头粉碎性骨折

目的探讨应用单极人工桡骨头假体置换治疗MasonⅢ、Ⅳ型桡骨头骨折的疗效。方法对15例MasonⅢ、Ⅳ型桡骨头骨折患者应用人工桡骨头假体进行置换并观察疗效。结果 15例均获随访,时间6～30个月。按Mayo肘关节功能评分评定：优9例,良5例,可1例。无感染发生。结论桡骨头在稳定肘关节及上尺桡关节中起着至关重要的作用,桡骨头骨折如不能修复,假体置换是更好的选择。