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.     

Displaced Operable Radial Head Fractures

Background  Radial head fractures are common injuries occurring in conjunction with other injuries. We hypothesize that the associated injuries are under-diagnosed, under-treated and are under-estimated in terms of their relevance to the patients final functional outcome. We hypothesize a high correlation between the associated injuries and poor functional scores. Materials  Thirty-nine displaced radial head fractures were clinically, radiologically and functionally assessed at an average of 47 months postoperatively. Demographic data, case notes, and follow up data were statistically analyzed. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was performed for the associated injuries and final functional scores. Results  There were 21 type II and 18 type III radial head fractures. About 52% of Mason type II (11/21) and 94% of the Mason type III (17/18) had associated injuries. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score for the Mason II fractures was 70 and for the Mason III was 55. There was a strong correlation between the number of associated injuries and functional scores. For Mason II injuries the Pearson correlation coefficient was r = −0.994, and for the Mason III group, r = −0.972. Conclusions  “Isolated radial head fractures” are rare. All displaced radial head fractures need thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation. The associated injuries are often unappreciated on initial diagnosis and are often under-treated. Associated injuries are strongly correlated with poor functional scores and therefore need to be addressed during surgery.     

Hemiarthroplasty for Humeral Head Fractures

Abstract Objective: Replacement of the fractured humeral head with a modular prosthesis. The procedure aims at an adequate reconstruction of shape and function of the shoulder. Indications: Displaced three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus that cannot be reduced and internally fixed. Contraindications: Fracture can be reduced and adequately internally fixated. Noncompliant patient. Surgical Technique: In beach-chair position, the fractured humeral head is removed via a deltopectoral approach. The Aequalis modular fracture prosthesis can be positioned by two methods: (i) a fracture jig optimizing height and retroversion of the prosthesis, (ii) under additional intraoperative fluoroscopy. Healing of the tuberosities can be promoted by cancellous grafts taken from the fractured head. These are fixed by four heavy sutures running horizontally and two sutures running vertically. Results: 13 out of 22 patients treated by primary hemiarthroplasty (within 10 days after the fracture) and 34 out of 50 patients treated by secondary arthroplasty could be assessed after a mean follow-up of 40 (15–70) and 44 (8–98) months, respectively. The absolute Constant score amounted to 45 and 50 points, respectively, and the relative score to 56% in both groups. The majority of patients was free of pain or suffered less pain than before the operation (secondary arthroplasty; p < 0.001). In contrast to these, only satisfactory, objective results, self-assessment was good or better than before (secondary prostheses; p < 0.001). In both groups, prognostic factors were the size and position of the tuberosities (p < 0.001). The following is a reprint from Operat Orthop Traumatol 2004;16:1–27 and continues the new series of articles at providing continuing education on operative techniques to the European trauma community. Reprint from: Operat Orthop Traumatol 2004;16:1–27 DOI 10.1007/s00064-004-1091-1     

金属桡骨小头置换治疗粉碎性桡骨小头骨折的早期疗效观察

目的探讨骨水泥型钛金属桡骨小头置换治疗粉碎性桡骨小头骨折的早期疗效。方法对10例严重的粉碎性桡骨小头骨折进行骨水泥型钛金属桡骨小头置换,其中MasonⅢ型骨折6例,Ⅳ型骨折4例,合并肱骨骨折1例。通过物理检查、功能评分指数和影像学对疗效进行评价。评价指标包括活动度、稳定性、疼痛和抓握力量。结果所有患者均获得随访,平均随访时间23·7个月(18~31个月)。无感染、假体植入失败、异位骨化或脱位发生。功能评分显示优5例,良4例,一般1例。结论当内侧副韧带损伤后,桡骨小头成为防止肘外翻和旋转不稳定的主要结构。骨水泥型人工钛金属桡骨小头置换后,其提供的稳定性接近于生理状态下的自体桡骨头。MasonⅢ型和MasonⅣ型桡骨小头骨折是进行金属桡骨小头置换的指征。     

Diagnostic Accuracy of Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Imaging and Modeling of Radial Head Fractures

To tests the hypothesis that classification and characterization of fractures of the radial head is more accurate with 3D than 2D computed tomography images and radiographs, using a prospective study design with intraoperative inspection as the reference standard. Treating surgeons and first assistants completed a questionnaire assigning a fracture type according to the Broberg and Morrey modification of Mason’s classification, evaluating selected fracture characteristics, and electing preferred management based upon radiographs and 2D images alone; then adding 3D-CT; then 3D printed physical models; and finally intra-operative visualization. The addition of the 3D CT and physical models improved the sensitivity for fracture line separating the entire head from the neck, comminution of the radial neck, fracture involving the articular surface, articular fracture gap greater than 2 mm, impacted fracture fragments, greater than 3 articular fragments, and articular fragments judged too small to repair. There were no significant differences in diagnostic performance with the addition of 3D models. The addition of 3D CT and models improved the reliability of Broberg and Morrey classification. We conclude that 3DCT and 3D physical modeling provide more accurate fracture classification and characterization of fracture of the radial head with less proposed variability in treatment. We did not demonstrate a clear advantage for modeling over 3DCT reconstructions. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level I     

桡骨头骨折的治疗及其疗效分析

目的：根据桡骨头在前臂的生物力学作用，对桡骨头骨折不同的治疗方法及结果进行研究，寻求一种合理、有效的桡骨头骨折的治疗方法。方法：对49例桡骨头骨折的病人随访调查，对非手术治疗的14例（MasonⅡ型），切开复位内固定治疗的29例（Mason Ⅱ型19例，Mason Ⅲ型10例），及桡骨头切除的6例按照Geel和Palmer评分标准对其结果进行评估。结果：平均随访2．8年（2－5．5年）。非手术治疗的优良率为85．7％（12／14），切开复位内固定的优良率为78．6％（22／29），桡骨头切除的优良率仅为33．3％（2／6），总率为73．5％（36／49）。结论：对桡骨头骨折应尽量通过手术或非手术方法恢复其正常解剖关系，保持前臂矩形框架生物力学的稳定，对桡骨小头切除要慎重。     

切开复位内固定治疗移位的桡骨头骨折

目的探讨切开复位内固定治疗成人移位桡骨头骨折的手术技术。方法本组移位桡骨头骨折19例,MasonⅡ型12例,Ⅲ型4例,Ⅳ型3例。17例用肘后外侧Kocher切口,另外2例用肘后正中切口以便同时处理合并的尺骨近端骨折。复位后用微型钢板螺钉固定,并使内固定物不妨碍关节活动。结果平均随访38.5个月,无骨间后神经损伤及感染发生,19例骨折均顺利愈合。按照Broberg和Morrey肘部评分标准:优13例,良6例。结论切开复位内固定治疗移位桡骨头骨折可取得满意疗效,术中应注意以下方面:①保护、修复尺骨外侧副韧带;②防止损伤骨间后神经;③努力达到解剖复位;④固定既要坚强可靠,又要不阻碍关节的运动。     

桡骨头骨折的手术治疗

目的评价桡骨头骨折切开复位微型钢板螺钉内固定的临床效果。方法应用微型钢板螺钉治疗桡骨头骨折21例，术后将肘关节伸直位前臂中立位固定5～10d。结果术后随访6．5个月。21例患者中19例骨折愈合，平均愈合时间10周。肘关节活动好，无活动痛。2例骨折未愈合，1例行单纯桡骨头切除术，1例行假体置换术。结论就目前随访结果分析，切开复位微型钢板螺钉固定治疗桡骨头骨折，愈合率高，肘关节功能优良。该方法操作简单，易于掌握，是一种桡骨头骨折理想的治疗方法。     

桡骨小头置换治疗桡骨小头MasonⅢ、Ⅳ型骨折的早期疗效

目的探讨桡骨小头置换治疗桡骨小头MasonⅢ、Ⅳ型骨折的早期疗效。方法自2009年7月至2012年8月采用桡骨小头置换治疗桡骨小头粉碎性骨折患者9例,根据Mason分型,7例为Masonm型,2例为MasonIV型,其中有1例为桡骨小头粉碎性骨折合并尺骨冠状突骨折,1例为桡骨小头粉碎性骨折合并内侧副韧带损伤。结果所有患者随访4—24个月,平均12个月,肘关节屈伸活动度为16°-130°,前臂旋前／旋后平均为（80±2．02）°／（78±1．26）°,按照Mayo肘关节功能评分进行疗效评估,平均分91．3分,优5例,良3例,一般1例,优良率为89％。结论桡骨小头置换对于治疗桡骨小头MasonⅢ、IV型骨折早期可取得满意效果,但长期疗效有待于进一步证实。     

Subchondral Insufficiency Fractures of the Femoral Head

A subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) of the femoral head is a recently proposed concept, which needs to be differentiated from osteonecrosis. Clinically, SIF has generally been observed in the osteoporotic elderly women or renal transplant recipients. Radiographical changes are not obvious in its early phase, however, some cases undergo subchondral collapse (crescent sign). On the T1-weighted magnetic resonance images, a low intensity band is one of the characteristic imaging appearances, which corresponds histologically to the fracture line and associated fracture repair tissue. Therefore, the shape of the low intensity band generally tends to be irregular, disconnected, and convex to the articular surface. The prognosis of SIF is not clearly established. Some cases show resolution of the symptoms by the conservative treatments, while other cases show rapid progression of the collapse such as rapidly progressive arthrosis of the hip.     

A Case of Coronal Intra-articular and Epiphyseal Fractures of the Metacarpal Head in Early Adolescence

Intra-articular metacarpal head fracture is relatively rare. We report a case of coronal intra-articular and epiphyseal fractures of Salter–Harris type IV injury in the metacarpal head of the index finger. Surgery was performed by a dorsal approach. The volar fragment that was displaced proximally was gently reduced while bending the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint, and it was fixed with cortical screws inserted proximal to the articular cartilage facilitating early rehabilitation. We consider the mechanism of injury to be a force applied from the distal phalanx that was transmitted unevenly to the volar side when the MP joint was slightly flexed. A three-dimensional computed tomography scan was useful in making the precise diagnosis, confirming the fracture pattern and planning fixation of the fracture.