Results of acute excision of the radial head in elbow radial head fracture-dislocations

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of radial head excision for the treatment of elbow fracture-dislocations with an unsalvageable comminuted radial head fracture and no other associated fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University Hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Ten elbow fracture-dislocations with a comminuted radial head fracture treated with radial head excision in our institution between 1990 and 1996 and followed a mean of 4.62 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical results were graded using the Mayo index and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Radiographs were evaluated for proximal radius migration, elbow angulation, degenerative changes, and ectopic bone. RESULTS: Final clinical results were excellent in four patients, good in five patients, and fair in one patient. Pain was absent in six patients, mild in three patients, and moderate in one patient. Mean flexion arc was 7.5 to 140 degrees, and mean pronation and supination were 85.5 and 83.5 degrees, respectively. Average strength loss was 15 percent. No elbow was unstable. The raw DASH score ranged from 39 to 62 points (normalized values, 0.66 to 15,79 points). On average, the carrying angle increased 5.4 degrees. Degenerative changes were absent in two, Grade I in four, and Grade II in four patients. Ectopic bone, mainly residual fracture fragments, was evident in four patients. Proximal migration of the radius averaged 1.6 millimeters; the two patients with over four millimeters of migration had mild wrist pain. CONCLUSIONS: Acute radial head excision for the treatment of elbow fracture-dislocations provides satisfactory short-term clinical results when there are no other associated intraarticular fractures. However, the long-term significance of the early degenerative changes is not known.     

Arthroscopic management of elbow trauma

The arthroscope can assist in effectively treating traumatic injuries about the elbow, including some intra-articular fractures. Proper selection of patients is important to ensure effective treatment, but when used judiciously, arthroscopic-assisted debridement and fracture fixation is effective. The arthroscope is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of acute intra-articular fractures and in dealing with the sequelae that sometimes cause problems after healing has occurred. It allows for effective fracture treatment without the extensive soft tissue disruption that would be otherwise necessary for exposure. The authors certainly cannot advocate arthroscopic treatment of all intra-articular elbow fractures, but in specific circumstances, the arthroscope cannot only assist but also improve treatment of these sometimes difficult and often challenging injuries. The arthroscope is also useful in the identification of varus, valgus, and posterolateral rotatory instability, particularly when these instabilities are less obvious on clinical examination.     

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.     

Management of post-traumatic elbow instability after failed radial head excision:A case report

Radial head excision has always been a safe commonly used surgical procedure with a satisfactory clinical outcome for isolated comminuted radial head fractures. However, diagnosis of elbow instability is still very challenging and often underestimated in routine orthopaedic evaluation. We present the case of a 21-years old female treated with excision after radial head fracture, resulting in elbow instability. The patient underwent revision surgery after four weeks. We believe that ligament reconstruction without radial head substitution is a safe alternative choice for Mason III radial head fractures accompanied by complex ligament lesions.     

Arthroscopic excision of a ganglion cyst from the elbow

Summary: Ganglia are benign lesions that are uncommonly seen about the elbow. When conservative treatment fails, surgical excision is recommended, usually through an open approach. The author presents the first report of a case of arthroscopic excision of a large anterior elbow cyst. The success of the excision, documented by magnetic resonance imaging at 18 months postoperatively, shows that the arthroscopic approach is a safe and viable alternative to open excision of ganglion cysts of the elbow.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 6 (September), 2000: pp 661–664     

Arthroscopic excision of the radial head: Clinical outcome in 12 patients with post-traumatic arthritis after fracture of the radial head or rheumatoid arthritis

Purpose: We performed arthroscopic radial head excision in a series of patients with either post-traumatic arthritis after a radial head fracture or rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow as an expanded indication for elbow arthroscopy. The purpose of the study was to critically examine the results of arthroscopic chondroplasty of the radial head to determine the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Type of Study: Outcome study and retrospective analysis. Methods: From 1990 to 1997, arthroscopic radial head resection was performed in 12 patients with either post-traumatic arthritis (n = 10, Mason type II or III) or with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 2). Functional outcome and radiographs were analyzed after a mean follow-up period of 39 months (range, 12 to 97 months). Elbow arthroscopy was performed using a standardized technique. The anterior three quarters of the radial head and 2 to 3 mm of the radial neck were resected with the abrader in the anterolateral portal and the arthroscope in the proximal medial portal. For resection of the posterior portion of the radial head, the abrader may be transferred to the mediolateral portal. This permits resection of the remnants of the radial head posteriorly and also at the proximal radioulnar joint. Results: Preoperatively, patients lacked 23° (range, 5° to 40°) of extension of the elbow on average. Mean flexion was 111° (range, 60° to 145°). Patients had unrestricted pronation (limitation of 5° in 2 patients). Two patients had a lack of supination of 15° and 30°. Mean follow up was 39 months (range, 12 to 97 months). Postoperatively, patients lacked 9° (range, 0° to 20°) of extension of the elbow on average. Mean flexion was 136° (range, 90° to 150°). No patient had subjective or objective evidence of instability of the elbow. All patients except one reported significant improvement in pain relief and complete relief of mechanical symptoms. Conclusions: This technically demanding surgical procedure should be reserved for situations of persistent, restricted range of motion and chronic pain. Arthroscopic radial head resection combined with arthroscopic synovectomy relieves elbow stiffness. The surgeon is able to deal with the intrinsic joint pathology, as well as with accompanying symptoms such as synovitis, capsular contracture, or loose bodies.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 9 (November-December), 2001: pp 918–923     

Secondary radial head dislocation and dysplasia of the lateral condyle after elbow trauma in children

We report five cases of a rare complication of childhood fractures of the elbow region. The complication consists of posttraumatic dissolution of the lateral humeral condyle followed by secondary radial head overgrowth and dislocation. The initial injuries ranged from displaced lateral condyle fractures (three patients) to a supracondylar fracture and an open elbow dislocation. Dysplasia of the lateral humeral condyle was first noted 1 to 4 years after the trauma (mean, 2.5 years) and seemed to be caused by removal of the displaced fracture fragment in one patient, and possibly by malfixation and repeated surgical procedures in the others. Because of loss of motion, ulnar nerve irritation, and cosmetic deformities, corrective osteotomies had to be performed in four patients and additional radial head removal in two patients.     

Arthroscopic resection of the radial head.

The authors describe arthroscopic radial head resection in patients with post-traumatic arthritis after fractures of the radial head or in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow joint, as an expanded indication for elbow arthroscopy. Arthroscopic radial head resection allows the surgeon to deal with the intrinsic joint pathology, as well as with accompanying symptoms such as synovitis, capsular contracture, or loose bodies. The portals used are the proximal medial, anterolateral, and the midlateral portal. The anterior three quarters of the radial head and 2 to 3 mm of the radial neck are resected with the stone-cutting abrader in the anterolateral portal and the arthroscope in the proximal medial portal. For resection of the posterior portion of the radial head, the abrader may be transferred to the midlateral portal. This permits resection of the remnants of the radial head posteriorly and also at the proximal radioulnar joint. Arthroscopic treatment allows the patient to begin and maintain an aggressive postoperative physical therapy program immediately after surgery, thus decreasing the risk of anterior scarring and reoccurring contracture of the capsule of the elbow joint.     

Fractures of the radial head and neck treated with radial head excision

BACKGROUND: The reported long-term outcomes of the treatment of radial head and neck fractures with excision of the radial head have been mixed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of primary or delayed radial head excision for the treatment of these fractures. METHODS: Sixty-one individuals (mean age, forty-four years) with thirty-nine Mason type-II, ten Mason type-III, and twelve Mason type-IV fractures were evaluated subjectively, objectively, and radiographically at a mean of eighteen years (range, eleven to thirty-three years) after treatment. Forty-three fractures were treated with primary radial head excision, and the remaining eighteen were treated with delayed radial head excision at a median of five months (range, one to 238 months) after the injury. RESULTS: At the time of follow-up, twenty-eight individuals had no symptoms, twenty-seven had occasional elbow pain, and six had daily pain. Four individuals with daily pain had had a Mason type-IV fracture. The range of motion of the formerly injured upper extremities was slightly less than that of the uninjured upper extremities in terms of flexion (139 degrees +/- 11 degrees compared with 142 degrees +/- 8 degrees ), extension (-7 degrees +/- 12 degrees compared with -1 degrees +/- 6 degrees ), and supination (77 degrees +/- 20 degrees compared with 85 degrees +/- 10 degrees ) (all p < 0.01). A higher percentage of formerly injured elbows than uninjured elbows had cysts, sclerosis, and osteophytes (73% compared with 7%; p < 0.001), but none had a reduced joint space. No differences were found between the outcomes for individuals treated with a primary radial head excision and those for individuals treated with a delayed excision. CONCLUSIONS: Following a displaced radial head or neck fracture, excision of the radial head often leads to a good or fair result. We found no differences in outcome between primary and delayed radial head excisions following a Mason type-II, III, or IV fracture. The outcomes are associated with the type of fracture, with Mason type-IV fractures having the worst results, rather than with the timing of the radial head excision (primary or delayed).     

The stability of the elbow following excision of the radial head and transection of the annular ligament

Summary The stabilizing role of the lateral ligament complex and the radial head were investigated in ten osteoligamentous elbow preparations. The annular ligament was the prime stabilizer of the lateral aspect of the elbow. Transection of the annular ligament caused maximal varus and external rotatory instability of 13.7° and 32.8° respectively, with an elbow flexion about 70°. Isolated excision of the radial head caused slight varus and external rotatory instability of 4.8° and 10.4° respectively, with an elbow flexion about 40°. The lateral collateral ligament had only a minor stabilizing function of the elbow. The stability of the elbow after excision of the radial head may be improved by proper preservation of the annular ligament.     

Early excision of the radial head for fracture

The wrists and elbows of 23 patients were examined at a mean follow-up of 5 years (2-10 years) after excision of the radial head for an isolated fracture. Fourteen elbows and 13 wrists were symptomatic. Proximal migration of the radius was seen in 15 cases; the mean distance of migration being 1.4 mm. Osteoarthritis, mostly mild, was seen in 17 elbows and 14 wrists and limited movement of the elbow was a common finding. Excision of the radial head for fracture had a high complication rate.