Management of comminuted radial head fractures with replacement arthroplasty

Radial head arthroplasty is indicated for displaced comminuted radial head fractures that cannot be managed reliably with open reduction and internal fixation and that have an associated elbow dislocation. Replacement also is indicated in patients with comminuted radial head fractures that have or are likely to have a disruption of the medial col-lateral, lateral collateral, or interosseous ligaments. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that metallic implants restore elbow stability similar to the native radial head. The early and midterm clinical experience with metallic radial head arthroplasty has been encouraging relative to earlier reports with silicone devices. Newer modular designs incorporate improved sizing to better reproduce the anatomy of the proximal radius and are easier to insert intraoperatively.     

The effect of radial head excision and arthroplasty on elbow kinematics and stability

BACKGROUND: Radial head fractures are common injuries. Comminuted radial head fractures often are treated with radial head excision with or without radial head arthroplasty. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of radial head excision and arthroplasty on the kinematics and stability of elbows with intact and disrupted ligaments. We hypothesized that elbow kinematics and stability would be (1) altered after radial head excision in elbows with intact and disrupted ligaments, (2) restored after radial head arthroplasty in elbows with intact ligaments, and (3) partially restored after radial head arthroplasty in elbows with disrupted ligaments. METHODS: Eight cadaveric upper extremities were studied in an in vitro elbow simulator that employed computer-controlled actuators to govern tendon-loading. Testing was performed in stable, medial collateral ligament-deficient, and lateral collateral ligament-deficient elbows with the radial head intact, with the radial head excised, and after radial head arthroplasty. Valgus angulation and rotational kinematics were determined during passive and simulated active motion with the arm dependent. Maximum varus-valgus laxity was measured with the arm in a gravity-loaded position. RESULTS: In specimens with intact ligaments, elbow kinematics were altered and varus-valgus laxity was increased after radial head excision and both were corrected after radial head arthroplasty. In specimens with disrupted ligaments, elbow kinematics were altered after radial head excision and were similar to those observed in specimens with a native radial head after radial head arthroplasty. Varus-valgus laxity was increased after ligament disruption and was further increased after radial head excision. Varus-valgus laxity was corrected after radial head arthroplasty and ligament repair; however, it was not corrected after radial head arthroplasty without ligament repair. CONCLUSIONS: Radial head excision causes altered elbow kinematics and increased laxity. The kinematics and laxity of stable elbows after radial head arthroplasty are similar to those of elbows with a native radial head. However, radial head arthroplasty alone may be insufficient for the treatment of complex fractures that are associated with damage to the collateral ligaments as arthroplasty alone does not restore stability to elbows with ligament injuries.     

Fractures of the elbow's lateral column radial head and capitellum

Fractures of the lateral column of the elbow involve radial head fractures or capitellum fractures. As the biomechanics of the elbow have become better understood, the importance of the radiocapitellar joint in stabilizing the elbow has been emphasized. Preservation of the radial head has gained importance. For nondisplaced radial head fractures, good results are generally obtained with a short period of immobilization followed by early range of motion. In managing displaced radial head fractures, improved techniques and more versatile instrumentation have helped make preservation more feasible. Excellent results can be achieved with ORIF. In cases in which ORIF is impossible, prosthetic replacement of the radial head is a sound alternative. Successful results have been obtained with arthroplasty, and with second-generation modular systems, the facility of performing this procedure should increase. Treatment of capitellar fractures has also benefited from improved fixation systems. If the fragment is large enough, reduction and fixation with small screws or Kirschner wires have had good success. Excision works well in patients with fragments that are too small or not amenable to fixation, especially if the other structures of the medial elbow and forearm axis are competent.     

Comminuted radial head fractures treated with a modular metallic radial head arthroplasty. Study of outcomes

BACKGROUND: Comminuted fractures of the radial head are challenging to treat with open reduction and internal fixation. Radial head arthroplasty is an alternative treatment with results that compare favorably with those reported after open reduction and internal fixation of similar fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the two-year outcomes and the rate of recovery of a closely followed cohort of patients in whom an unreconstructible radial head fracture had been treated with a modular metallic prosthesis. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (seventeen female and nine male; mean age, fifty-four years) with an unreconstructible comminuted radial head fracture and associated elbow injuries were treated with a modular metallic radial head arthroplasty. Patients who had presented more than four weeks following the injury or had had the radial head arthroplasty as a second-stage or salvage procedure were excluded. Of the twenty-six patients, twenty-two had an associated elbow dislocation, and thirteen of them also had an associated fracture of the coronoid process. Patients were prospectively followed at three, six, twelve, and twenty-four months. Self-reported limb function, general health, range of motion, and isometric strength were assessed by an independent observer. RESULTS: Following treatment of the injury, significant decreases in self-reported and measured impairments were noted over time, with the majority of the recovery occurring by six months and little further recovery noted between six and twenty-four months. There were slight-to-moderate deficits in the range of motion and strength compared with the values on the contralateral, unaffected side. Patient satisfaction was high at three months and remained high at two years. All elbow joints remained stable, no implant required revision, and there was no evidence of overstuffing of the joint. Mild osteoarthritis was seen in five (19%) of the twenty-six patients. CONCLUSIONS: An arthroplasty with a modular metallic radial head is a safe and effective option for the treatment of unreconstructible radial head fractures associated with other elbow injuries. Recovery primarily occurs by six months, with minimal additional improvements over the next eighteen months.     

Current recommendations for the treatment of radial head fractures

Radial head fractures are the most common type of elbow fractures. Although a consensus has emerged that favors the nonsurgical treatment of undisplaced fractures, controversy surrounds the treatment of displaced radial head fractures. Further research is necessary to provide a better scientific rationale for making treatment recommendations. Options for the treatment of displaced fractures include nonoperative management, fragment excision, whole head excision, open reduction and internal fixation, and radial head arthroplasty. The purpose of this article is to review the mechanisms that result in radial head fracture, to describe important physical findings that assist in identifying injuries associated with radial head fractures, and to define the role of the various interventions described for the treatment of radial head fractures.     

Fractures of the radial head and neck: current concepts in management

Despite advances in surgical techniques, fractures of the radial head are challenging to manage. Most radial head fractures can be managed nonsurgically, with emphasis on early motion to achieve good results. Treatment of more complex radial head fractures, however, especially those associated with elbow instability, remains controversial. The choice for such injury is between open reduction and internal fixation and arthroplasty. Modern implants and techniques have led to improvements in both of these technically demanding procedures. With proper care and understanding of the mechanism of elbow function, better long-term results can be achieved. The current literature suggests that the Mason classification guides choice of the best treatment modality to achieve optimal long-term function. Fracture complexity also should be used as a guide when selecting treatment, and proper surgical technique is critical for success.     

Primäre posttraumatische Radiuskopfprothetik

Radial head fractures are common injuries in elbow trauma. Non-displaced fractures are best treated conservatively. Simple but displaced fractures require anatomic reduction and fixation, typically using screws. The treatment course for complex fractures with multiple fragments is still being debated, as results are less predictable. Radial head resection is not advised if concomitant injuries of the coronoid process or the collateral ligaments with instability are present. Favorable outcomes following open reduction and fixation using plates were reported recently. However, complication rates are very high. Radial head replacement is a valuable tool in treating complex fractures of the radial head with predominantly good and excellent results. Patients who suffer radial head fractures are typically of a younger age, resulting in high functional demands. Certainly, unspecific and specific complications related to radial head arthroplasty were reported in up to 40?% of cases in an acute fracture setting. This article highlights common complications in radial head arthroplasty and aims to present strategies to avoid them.     

Radial head fractures

Radial head fractures are the most common adult elbow fracture. Our ability to treat these fractures has improved with increased understanding of elbow biomechanics. Based on fracture type, possible treatment includes nonoperative management, open reduction and internal fixation, radial head resection, and replacement arthroplasty. Management and operative technique are discussed.     

Frakturendoprothetik der distalen Humerusfraktur

The treatment of choice for fractures of the distal humerus is double plate osteosynthesis. Due to anatomical preshaped angle stable plates the primary stability and management of soft tissues has been improved. However, osteoporotic comminuted fractures in the elderly are often not amenable to stable osteosynthesis and total elbow arthroplasty has been established as an alternative therapy. Although complication rates have been reduced, complications of total elbow arthroplasty are still much more frequent than in total hip replacement. Furthermore, patients are advised not to exceed a weight bearing of 5 kg. Therefore, the indications for elbow arthroplasty must be evaluated very strictly and should be reserved for comminuted distal humeral fractures in the elderly with poor bone quality that are not amenable to stable osteosynthesis or for simple fractures in cases of preexisting symptomatic osteoarthritis. This article introduces and discusses modern concepts of elbow arthroplasty, such as modular convertible prosthesis systems, hemiarthroplasty and radial head replacement in total elbow arthroplasty.     

Is a Silastic Radial Head Still a Reasonable Option?

Background  

The importance of the radial head to elbow function and stability is increasingly apparent. Although preservation of the native radial head is preferred, severely comminuted fractures may necessitate resection or arthroplasty. Silastic radial head arthroplasty has been condemned on the basis of several sporadic reports of silicone synovitis. However, problems of “overstuffing,” cartilage wear, and motion loss are becoming apparent with metal prostheses, indicating this also is not an ideal solution. Thus, the choices remain controversial.     

Indikation und Ergebnisse nach Radiuskopfprothesen

Treatment of unreconstructible comminuted fractures of the radial head (Mason type III or IV) remains controversial. Radial head excision was advocated for the management of these severe fractures in the past. Complications such as valgus elbow instability, elbow stiffness, and proximal radial migration can be the result. There is limited information on the outcome of arthroplasty with a radial head implant. The functional outcomes of 19 patients with arthroplasty of the radial head were evaluated after an average of 40.4 months. According to the functional rating index (Broberg and Morrey), 2 results were graded as poor, 6 as fair, and 11 as good or excellent. The poor and fair outcomes were associated with concomitant injuries. Elbow flexion of the injured extremity averaged 121±15°, extension ?19±12°, pronation 76±17°, and supination 73±18°. Valgus stability was restored and proximal radial migration did not occur. Complications included two luxations, but no wound infection. Patients treated with radial head prosthesis for a severely comminuted radial head fracture have mild to moderate impairment of the elbow and wrist. Arthroplasty with a radial head prosthesis was found to have been a safe and effective treatment option.     

Änderungen der stationären Versorgung

Fractures of the radial head are typically due to axial force. The treatment algorithm takes additional ligament injuries into account and demands an individual approach between reconstruction, resection and arthroplasty of the radial head. In case of a stable ulnar collateral ligament, radial head resection is the therapy of choice. Remaining valgus instability is an indication for radial head arthroplasty to restore axial and valgus stability and thus prevent proximal radial migration. Radial head arthroplasty is contraindicated in cases where radial head-preserving therapy might be possible. Therefore, in young patients an attempt of reconstruction is indicated even in comminuted fractures. Existing local or systemic inflammation excludes arthroplasty. Typical complications of radial head arthroplasty include cartilage loss at the capitulum, limited range of motion in the elbow joint and heterotopic ossifications. Furthermore, bone lysis at the shaft has to be expected.     

Therapie der Radiusköpfchenfraktur

The treatment of radial head fractures is challenging for the trauma surgeon due to the complex functional anatomy of the elbow. Satisfactory results can only be achieved if the function and stability of the humeroradial joint are entirely restored. Thus, depending on the fracture type, ranging from non-displaced Mason type I fractures to comminuted Mason type III fractures, an individual treatment concept has to be established. Treatment protocols range from conservative treatment with short-term cast immobilization to open reduction and internal fixation according to AO-principles or to the implantation of a radial head prosthesis. In case of severe comminution of the radial head, resection arthroplasty might be indicated.     

Therapy for radial head fractures

The treatment of radial head fractures is challenging for the trauma surgeon due to the complex functional anatomy of the elbow. Satisfactory results can only be achieved if the function and stability of the humeroradial joint are entirely restored. Thus, depending on the fracture type, ranging from non-displaced Mason type I fractures to comminuted Mason type III fractures, an individual treatment concept has to be established. Treatment protocols range from conservative treatment with short-term cast immobilization to open reduction and internal fixation according to AO-principles or to the implantation of a radial head prosthesis. In case of severe comminution of the radial head, resection arthroplasty might be indicated.     

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.     

Radial Head Fractures: Indications and Technique for Primary Arthroplasty

Abstract The treatment of complex radial head fractures remains a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Novel implants and improved surgical techniques have made reconstruction of the radial head with open reduction and internal fixation possible in most cases. However, extremely comminuted radial head fractures with associated instabilities still require replacement of the radial head with a prosthesis to allow rehabilitation with early motion of the elbow, and thereby optimizing the functional results of these potentially devastating injuries. In this article we discuss the surgical considerations related to radial head replacement, encompassing the indications for radial head arthroplasty, implant selection, surgical technique, rehabilitation protocols, and complications related to radial head prosthesis.     

Newly defined fracture pattern specific to Mason III radial head fractures: fracture description, management and outcomes using screw fixation

Background: Radial head fractures are the most common type of elbow fracture and are universally classified under the Mason classification system. Mason type III fractures are comminuted and are the most difficult to treat, generally requiring plating if possible, or more commonly arthroplasty or excision, which gives a variable outcome. We hypothesized that a new and specific fracture pattern of the radial head (Mason III) can be treated successfully with screw fixation. Methods: Six patients presented to the senior surgeon's clinic with this unusual Mason III fracture pattern. In these patients, the fracture was acute, requiring an open reduction and internal fixation with the use of three headless compression screws. Average follow‐up time was 21 months. Using serial X‐rays and the Broberg–Morrey elbow score, the six acute fractures were evaluated radiologically and functionally. Results: All six patients had good to excellent results using the Broberg–Morrey scoring system. All patients showed radiological and clinical union within 3 months of injury. No patient required revision surgery or excision at a later date. Discussion: We have recognized a specific type of comminuted and displaced Mason III radial head fracture that has not previously been described in the literature. This type of fracture is amenable to open reduction internal fixation with buried compression screws giving a good to excellent outcome, while avoiding the common consequences seen with a radial head excision, arthroplasty or plate fixation.     

Vitallium radial head prosthesis for acute and chronic elbow fractures and fracture-dislocations involving the radial head

This retrospective study aims to evaluate the radiographic, functional, and patient-derived outcomes of 16 patients who each received a Vitallium radial head prosthesis for unreconstructable acute fractures of the radial head, as well as previously treated fractures of the radial head associated with residual instability, pain, and stiffness. Follow-up averaged 33 months. A trend toward greater disability and poorer motion was noted in the delayed treatment group compared with the acute replacement group. Overall, the results were excellent in 5 patients, good in 10, and poor in 1, as determined by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. All elbows were stable at follow-up, and no patient reported wrist pain. Four required further operative treatment of their elbow injuries. Metallic radial head arthroplasty yields satisfactory results in acute unreconstructable radial head fractures or as a salvage procedure for previously treated radial head fractures.     

桡骨头置换在肘关节恐怖三联征中的应用

目的总结采用人工桡骨头置换在治疗肘关节恐怖三联征中的临床疗效。方法自2008年2月至2013年8月,采用人工桡骨头置换治疗肘关节恐怖三联征13例,其中男7例,女6例;年龄33~75岁,平均46.7岁。左侧6例,右侧7例。受伤至手术时间为2~14 d,平均7.6 d。冠突骨折按Regan-Morrey分型,Ⅰ型8例,Ⅱ型5例;桡骨头骨折按Mason分型,Ⅱ型2例,Ⅲ型11例。采用Mayo评分评价术后肘关节功能。结果 13例患者均获得随访,随访时间为12~22个月,平均15.6个月。13例患者评分,优10例,良2例,可1例。末次随访时,可见1例人工桡骨头松动,未见脱出,肘关节功能可,12例未见感染、异位骨化、人工关节松动、脱出、肘关节滑膜炎、功能障碍、旋转时疼痛等并发症。结论人工桡骨头置换在治疗肘关节恐怖三联征的短期临床应用效果良好,可早期恢复肘关节稳定性,能够使肘关节早期活动,有利于康复。     

Reoperation Rates and Costs of Radial Head Arthroplasty Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Radial Head and Neck Fractures: A Retrospective Database Study

Background: We conducted a retrospective study to compare reoperation/conversion rates and costs between open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and radial head arthroplasty (RHA) in patients with radial head/neck fractures. Methods: We examined the Humana Orthopedic data sets using the PearlDiver Application from January 2007 to June 2016 to identify patients with radial head and neck fractures with and without a concurrent elbow dislocation. Time to revision surgery, odds ratios, and survival curves for reoperations/conversions were calculated comparing ORIF and RHA. Results: A total of 7520 patients were identified who had undergone either ORIF or RHA. Overall, ORIF patients were less likely to undergo a conversion procedure (2.76% vs 7.03%) but more likely to undergo any reoperation (21.36% vs 17.63%) with a higher average cost ($19 688.46 vs $11 626.64). Patients who underwent ORIF without a concurrent elbow dislocation were also less likely to undergo a conversion procedure (2.12% vs 7.24%) but more likely to undergo any reoperation (20.22% vs 16.99%) with a higher average cost ($19 420.21 vs $11 123.61). Patients who underwent ORIF with a concurrent elbow dislocation were more likely to undergo both a conversion procedure (15.86% vs 6.39%) and any reoperation (44.98% vs 19.63%) with a higher average cost per patient ($24 999.62 vs $13 192.00). The average time to reoperation/conversion surgery was less than a year for all patient groups. Conclusions: Overall reoperation rates are high in patients undergoing operative treatment of radial head and neck fractures. RHA is less expensive and has fewer reoperations/conversions in short-term follow-up when compared with ORIF in radial head/neck fracture dislocations of the elbow.