Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment. Methods. Patients who underwent surgery for complex radial head fractures (Mason type III, ≥ three fragments) were divided into two groups (ORIF and RHA) and propensity score matching was used to individually match patients based on patient characteristics. Ultimately, 84 patients were included in this study. After a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2.0 to 9.5), patients were invited for clinical and radiological assessment. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score were evaluated. Results. Patients treated with ORIF showed significantly better postoperative range of motion for flexion and extension (121.1° (SD 16.4°) vs 108.1° (SD 25.8°); p = 0.018). Postoperative functional scores also showed significantly better results in the ORIF group (MEPS 90.1 (SD 13.6) vs 78 (SD 20.5); p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the complication rate (RHA 23.8% (n = 10) vs ORIF 26.2% (n = 11)). Implant-related complications occurred in six cases (14.3%) in the RHA group and in five cases (11.9%) in the ORIF group. Conclusion. Irrespective of the patient’s age, sex, type of injury, or number of fracture fragments, ORIF of the radial head should be attempted initially, if a stable reconstruction can be achieved, as it seems to provide a superior postoperative outcome for the patient compared to primary RHA. If reconstruction is not feasible, RHA is still a viable alternative. In the surgical treatment of complex radial head fractures, reconstruction shows superior postoperative outcomes compared to RHA. Good postoperative results can be achieved even after failed reconstruction and conversion to secondary RHA. Therefore, we encourage surgeons to favour reconstruction of complex radial head fractures, regardless of injury type or number of fragments, as long as a stable fixation can be achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1158–1164

Excision is not a suitable treatment for all comminuted fractures of the radial head. In elbows where instability can be predicted, a replacement arthroplasty of the radial head is more effective. The aim of this paper was to present the medium-term results of the Judet floating radial head prosthesis. This operation was performed on 14 patients between 1992 and 2003, of whom 12 were reviewed at a mean follow-up of five years and three months (1 to 12 years). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score and a modified Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) questionnaire. There were six excellent results, four good, one fair and one poor, as graded by the Mayo score. The mean DASH score was 23.9/100 (0 to 65.8/100). The only significant complication occurred in one patient who developed a severe complex regional pain syndrome. There were no patients with secondary instability of the elbow, implant loosening, cubitus valgus, osteoporosis of the capitellum, or pain in the forearm and wrist. Our experience, combined with that of other authors using this device, has encouraged us to continue using the Judet prosthesis in comminuted fractures of the elbow where instability is a potential problem

Aims. To propose a new method for evaluating paediatric radial neck fractures and improve the accuracy of fracture angulation measurement, particularly in younger children, and thereby facilitate planning treatment in this population. Methods. Clinical data of 117 children with radial neck fractures in our hospital from August 2014 to March 2023 were collected. A total of 50 children (26 males, 24 females, mean age 7.6 years (2 to 13)) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Cases were excluded for the following reasons: Judet grade I and Judet grade IVb (> 85° angulation) classification; poor radiograph image quality; incomplete clinical information; sagittal plane angulation; severe displacement of the ulna fracture; and Monteggia fractures. For each patient, standard elbow anteroposterior (AP) view radiographs and corresponding CT images were acquired. On radiographs, Angle P (complementary to the angle between the long axis of the radial head and the line perpendicular to the physis), Angle S (complementary to the angle between the long axis of the radial head and the midline through the proximal radial shaft), and Angle U (between the long axis of the radial head and the straight line from the distal tip of the capitellum to the coronoid process) were identified as candidates approximating the true coronal plane angulation of radial neck fractures. On the coronal plane of the CT scan, the angulation of radial neck fractures (CTa) was measured and served as the reference standard for measurement. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed by Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. Angle U showed the strongest correlation with CTa (p < 0.001). In the analysis of inter- and intraobserver reliability, Kappa values were significantly higher for Angles S and U compared with Angle P. ICC values were excellent among the three groups. Conclusion. Angle U on AP view was the best substitute for CTa when evaluating radial neck fractures in children. Further studies are required to validate this method. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):964–969

Introduction. The action of the radial head in the stability of the elbow is currently admitted. Its conservation is not always possible in complex fractures. The association with a posterolateral dislocation of the elbow leads to a higher risk of instability of the elbow joint and also at a longer term to degenerative changes. Some authors recommend the use of metallic radial head implant, acting as a spacer. The results seems encouraging but should the resection arthroplasty associated with the repair of the medial collateral ligament be abandoned?. Material and methods. In an amount of 35 consecutive patients who were taken in charge for an elbow dislocation 26 were included in this retrospective study, 13 of them had the association of a dislocation and a fracture of the radial head. In all 13 cases the radial head was considered as inadequate with a conservative treatment and was resected. The patients were assessed clinically according to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES) and the Mayo elbow performance index with a mean follow-up of 13 years (ranging from 5 to 15). The degenerative changes were assessed on plan × rays and an additional axial view according to the 4 stages described by Morrey. Results. No redislocation occurred. According to the Broberg/Morrey index 92% of the patients were considered as having a good result. They returned to work with no hindering. Signs of osteoarthritis grade 1 or 2 were observed and were clinically well tolerated. There was no difference for this item between the patients who conserved their radial head and those who sustained a resection. All patients were satisfied although they were protecting their joint against overuse while working. Discussion. The studies about the use of prosthesis of the radial head offer similar functional results. Degenerative changes on the trochleo ulnar joint are identical in all type of treatment. In order to prevent stiffness in the elbow joint an early post operative rehabilitation is recommended, it justifies a surgical stabilization associated with the use of an adapted dynamic splint. Conclusion. In case of elbow dislocation with a fracture of the radial head when its preservation is impossible, the resection without any prosthetic replacement remains a reasonable option if associated with a repair of the medial collateral ligament. At long term the functional results are still good with mild signs of osteoarthritis eliminating ipso facto the problem of an implant survivorship

Aims. To evaluate the outcomes of terrible triad injuries (TTIs) in mid-term follow-up and determine whether surgical treatment of the radial head influences clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods. Follow-up assessment of 88 patients with TTI (48 women, 40 men; mean age 57 years (18 to 82)) was performed after a mean of 4.5 years (2.0 to 9.4). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were evaluated. Radiographs of all patients were analyzed. Fracture types included 13 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 59 type III. Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) was performed if reconstruction was not possible. Results. At follow-up the mean MEPS was 87.1 (20 to 100); mean OES, 36.9 (6 to 48); and mean DASH score, 18.6 (0 to 90). Mean movement was 118° (30° to 150°) for extension to flexion and 162° (90° to 180°) for pronation to supination. The overall reoperation rate was 24%, with nine ORIF, ten RHA, and two patients without treatment to the radial head needing surgical revision. When treated with RHA, Mason type III fractures exhibited significantly inferior outcomes. Suboptimal results were also identified in patients with degenerative or heterotopic changes on their latest radiograph. In contrast, more favourable outcomes were detected in patients with successful radial head reconstruction after Mason type III fractures. Conclusion. Using a standardized protocol, sufficient elbow stability and good outcomes can be achieved in most TTIs. Although some bias in treatment allocation, with more severe injuries assigned to RHA, cannot be completely omitted, treatment of radial head fractures may have an independent effect on outcome, as patients subjected to RHA showed significantly inferior results compared to those subjected to reconstruction, in terms of elbow function, incidence of arthrosis, and postoperative complications. As RHA showed no apparent advantage in Mason type III injuries between the two treatment groups, we recommend reconstruction, providing stable fixation can be achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1620–1628

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Monteggia-like lesions at midterm follow-up and to determine whether the surgical treatment of the radial head influences the clinical and radiological results. Patients and Methods. A total of 78 patients with a Monteggia-like lesion, including 44 women and 34 men with a mean age of 54.7 years (19 to 80), were available for assessment after a mean 4.6 years (2 to 9.2). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Radiographs were analyzed for all patients. A total of 12 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 36 type III fractures were included. Surgical treatment consisted of screw fixation for all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) or excision was performed if reconstruction was not possible. Results. The mean MEPS was 88.9 (40 to 100), mean OES was 40.1 (25 to 48), mean MMWS was 88.1 (50 to 100), mean DASH score was 14.7 (0 to 60.2), and mean movement was 114° (. sd. 27) in extension/flexion and 155° (. sd. 37) in pronation/supination. Mason III fractures, particularly those with an associated coronoid fracture treated with RHA, had a significantly poorer outcome. Suboptimal results were also identified in patients who had degenerative changes or heterotopic ossification on their latest radiograph. In contrast, all patients with successful radial head reconstruction or excision had a good outcome. Conclusion. Good outcomes can be achieved in Monteggia-like lesions with Mason II and III fractures, when reconstruction is possible. Otherwise, RHA is a reliable option with satisfactory outcomes, especially in patients with ligamenteous instability. Whether the radial head should be excised remains debatable, although good results were achieved in patients with ligamentous stability and in those with complications after RHA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1512–1519

Most fractures of the radial head are stable undisplaced or minimally displaced partial fractures without an associated fracture of the elbow or forearm or ligament injury, where stiffness following non-operative management is the primary concern. Displaced unstable fractures of the radial head are usually associated with other fractures or ligament injuries, and restoration of radiocapitellar contact by reconstruction or prosthetic replacement of the fractured head is necessary to prevent subluxation or dislocation of the elbow and forearm. In fractures with three or fewer fragments (two articular fragments and the neck) and little or no metaphyseal comminution, open reduction and internal fixation may give good results. However, fragmented unstable fractures of the radial head are prone to early failure of fixation and nonunion when fixed. Excision of the radial head is associated with good long-term results, but in patients with instability of the elbow or forearm, prosthetic replacement is preferred. This review considers the characteristics of stable and unstable fractures of the radial head, as well as discussing the debatable aspects of management, in light of the current best evidence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:151–9

Mason type III fractures of the radial head are treated by open reduction and internal fixation, resection or prosthetic joint replacement. When internal fixation is performed, fixation of the radial head to the shaft is difficult and implant-related complications are common. Furthermore, problems of devascularisation of the radial head can result from fixation of the plate to the radial neck. In a small retrospective study, the treatment of Mason type III fractures with fixation of the radial neck in 13 cases (group 2) was compared with 12 cases where no fixation was performed (group 1). The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was four years (1 to 9). The Broberg-Morrey index showed excellent results in both groups. Degenerative radiological changes were seen more frequently in group 2, and removal of the implant was necessary in seven of 13 cases. Post-operative evaluation of these two different techniques revealed similar ranges of movement and functional scores. We propose that anatomical reconstruction of the radial head without metalwork fixation to the neck is preferable, and the outcome is the same as that achieved with the conventional technique. In addition degenerative changes of the elbow joint may develop less frequently, and implant removal is not necessary

Aims. The crucial role of the radial head in the stability of the elbow in terrible triad injury is acknowledged. This retrospective study aims to compare the results of resection of a severely comminuted radial head with or without prosthetic arthroplasty as part of the reconstruction for this injury. Patients and Methods. The outcome of radial head resection was compared with prosthetic arthroplasty in 29 and 15 patients with terrible triad injuries, respectively. There were ten female patients (34.5%) in the resection group and six female patients (40%) in the prosthesis group. The mean age was 40.7 years (. sd. 13.6) in the resection group and 36 years (. sd. 9.4) in the prosthesis group. The mean follow-up of the patients was 24.4 months (. sd. 12) in the resection group and 45.8 months (. sd. 6.8) in the prosthesis group. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and range of movement. Postoperative radiological complications were also recorded. Results. The mean ranges of extension, flexion, supination, and pronation were not significantly different between the two study groups (p = 0.75, p = 0.65, p = 0.82, and p = 0.68, respectively). The mean VAS score, DASH score, and MEPS of the two groups were also not statistically significantly different (p = 0.93, p = 0.19, and p = 0.32, respectively). At the final visit, the elbow was stable in all patients. No patient was found to have developed an Essex–Lopresti injury. Osteoarthritis grade I and II was observed in five and three patients of the resection group, respectively, and four and one patients of the arthroplasty group, respectively. Conclusion. The outcome of patients undergoing treatment for terrible triad injuries is similar whether the patient’s radial head was excised or replaced. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1499–505

Background. Chronic acquired radial head dislocations pose a complex problem in terms of surgical decision making, especially if surgery has already previously failed. There are several underlying causes that should be investigated, including previous trauma resulting in a missed Monteggia fracture. Aim. To review the clinical and radiological outcomes for children up to 18 years of age, with a radial head dislocation treated with circular frame surgery. Method. A retrospective study was designed to identify patients from our departmental database who had undergone circular frame surgery to reduce the radial head during the past 6 years. Results. 20 patients were identified with a mean age of 11 years (3 – 17). Fourteen patients had a diagnosis of missed Monteggia fracture, three patients had Hereditary Multiple Exostoses, one had Nail Patella syndrome, one had Osteogenesis Imperfecta and one had rickets. The average delay between trauma and frame surgery was three years (0 – 7). All patients achieved union of their ulnar or radial osteotomy. The average frame duration was 167 days (61 – 325) and complications included delayed union and residual radial head subluxation. Thirteen patients achieved at least 40 degrees of supination, and 10 patients achieved at least 40 degrees of pronation. Eighteen patients achieved an arc of movement from full extension to at least 110 degrees of flexion. Eleven patients reported their pain level at final follow-up, of which 9 had no pain at all. Conclusion and Discussion. Circular frame surgery was a reliable and consistent method of reducing chronic radial head dislocations and improving function. Radiological appearances of mild residual subluxation of the radial head were clinically well tolerated and generally required no further treatment

Four men who presented with chronic dislocation of the radial head and nonunion or malunion of the ulna were reviewed after open reduction of the radial head and internal fixation of the ulna in attempted overcorrection. Their mean age was 37 years (28 to 46) and the mean interval between injury and reconstruction was nine months (4 to 18). The mean follow-up was 24 months (15 to 36). One patient who had undergone secondary excision of the radial head was also followed up for comparison. The three patients who had followed the treatment protocol had nearly normal flexion, extension and supination and only very occasional pain. All had considerable loss of pronation which did not affect patient satisfaction. Preservation of the radial head in chronic adult Monteggia fractures appears to be a promising mode of treatment

A common location for radius fracture is the proximal radial head. With the arm in neutral position, the fracture usually happens in the anterolateral quadrant (Lacheta et al., 2019). If traditional surgeries are not enough to induce bone stabilization and vascularization, or the fracture can be defined grade III or grade IV (Mason classification), a radial head prosthesis can be the optimal compromise between bone saving and recovering the “terrible triad”. A commercially available design of radial head prosthesis such as Antea (Adler Ortho, Milan, Italy) is characterized by flexibility in selecting the best matching size for patients and induced osteointegration thanks to the Ti-Por. ®. radial stem realized by 3D printing with laser technique (Figure 1). As demonstrated, Ti-Por. ®. push-out resistance increased 45% between 8 −12 weeks after implantation, hence confirming the ideal bone-osteointegration. Additional features of Antea are: bipolarity, modularity, TiN coating, radiolucency, hypoallergenic, 10° self-aligning. The osteointegration is of paramount importance for radius, in fact the literature is unfortunately reporting several clinical cases for which the fracture of the prosthesis happened after bone-resorption. Even if related to an uncommon activity, the combination of mechanical resistance provided by the prosthesis and the stabilization due to the osteointegration should cover also accidental movements. Based upon Lacheta et al. (2019), after axial compression-load until radii failure, all native specimens survived a compression-load of 500N, while the failure happened for a mean compression force of 2560N. The aim of this research study was to test the mechanical resistance of a radial head prosthesis obtained by 3D printing. In detail, a finite element analysis (FEA) was used to understand the mechanical resistance of the core of the prosthesis and the potential bone fracture induced in the radius with simulated bone- resorption (Figure 2a). The critical level was estimated at the height for which the thickness of the core is the minimum (Figure 2b). Considered boundary conditions:. - Full-length prosthesis plus radius out of the cement block equal to 60mm (Figure 2a);. - Bone inside the cement equal to 60mm (Figure 2b);. - Load inclined 10° epiphysiary component (Figure 2c);. - Radius with physiological or osteoporotic bone conditions;. - Load (concentrated in the sphere simulating full transmission from the articulation) of 500N or 1300N or 2560N. Figure 3 shows the results in terms of maximum stress on the core of the prosthesis and the risk of fracture (Schileo et al., 2008). According to the obtained results, the radial head prosthesis shows promising mechanical resistance despite of the simulated bone-resorption for all applied loads except for 2560N. The estimated mechanical limit for the material in use is 200MPa. The risk of fracture is in agreement with the experimental findings (Lacheta et al. (2019)), in fact bone starts to fail for the minimum reported failure load, but only for osteoporotic conditions. The presented FEA aimed at investigating the behavior of a femoral head prostheses made by 3D printing with simulated bone-resorption. The prosthesis shows to be a skilled solution even during accidental loads. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Where reconstruction is deemed impossible, excision of the radial head has been the mainstay of treatment for shattered radial head and neck fractures. While some patients seem to do well after the procedure, some develop progressive instability and pain because of proximal translocation of the radius. We looked at a new procedure in which a metal radial head is inserted to provide greater stability after the excision. Historically silicone prostheses have been used, but these were found to fail dramatically after a time. We recruited 11 patients requiring radial head replacements. Their ages ranged from 26 to 54 years. In five patients the dominant arm was affected. The radial head was deemed non-reconstructable in all patients, and the alternative method of treatment would have been radial head excision. In one patient, radial head replacement was performed 14 years after previous radial head excision. A standardised procedure was performed, replacing the radial head with an Evolve modular radial head prosthesis. At follow-up, we assessed patient satisfaction, range of movement, overall stability of the prostheses, grip strength and return to full activity. The postoperative range of movement was assessed at three and six weeks, and the outcome in terms of mobility at six months. Supination ranged between 40( and 90( and pronation between 40( and 85(. Elbow extension ranged between -5( and -30 and flexion between 100( and 150(. We concede that the follow-up period has been short, but early results suggest that radial head replacement may be a good option in patients in whom radial head reconstruction is not possible

Radial head fractures are relatively common, representing approximately one-third of all elbow fractures. Outcomes are generally inversely proportional to the amount of force involved in the mechanism of injury, with simple fractures doing better than more comminuted ones. However, the prognosis for these fractures may also be influenced by associated injuries and patient-related factors (age, body index mass, gender, tobacco habit, etc.) The purpose of this study is to evaluate which factors will affect range of motion and function in partial radial head fractures. The hypothesis is that conservative treatment yields better outcomes. This retrospective comparative cohort study included 43 adult volunteers with partial radial head fracture, a minimum one-year follow up, separated into a surgical and non-surgical group. Risk factors were: associated injury, heterotopic ossification, worker's compensation, and proximal radio-ulnar joint implication. Outcomes included radiographic range of motion measurement, demographic data, and quality of life questionnaires (PREE, Q-DASH, MEPS). Mean follow up was 3.5 years (1–7 years). Thirty patients (70%) had associated injuries with decreased elbow extension (−11°, p=0.004) and total range of motion (−14°, p=0.002) compared to the other group. Heterotopic ossification was associated with decreased elbow flexion (−9°, p=0.001) and fractures involved the proximal radio-ulnar joint in 88% of patients. Only worker's compensation was associated with worse scores. There was no difference in terms of function and outcome between patients treated nonsurgically or surgically. We found that associated injuries, worker's compensation and the presence of heterotopic ossification were the only factors correlated with a worse prognosis in this cohort of patients. Given these results, the authors reiterate the importance of being vigilant to associated injuries

Purpose. There have been a number of described techniques for sizing the diameter of radial head implants. All of these techniques, however, are dependent on measurements of the excised native radial head. When accurate sizing is not possible due to extensive comminution or due to a previous radial head excision, it has been postulated that the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) may be used as an intraoperative landmark for correct sizing. The purpose of this study was to: 1) determine if the PRUJ could be used as a reliable landmark for radial head implant diameter sizing when the native radial head in unavailable, and (2) determine the reliability of measurements of the excised radial head. Method. Twenty-seven fresh-frozen denuded ulnae and their corresponding radial heads (18 males, 9 females) were examined. The maximum diameter (MaxD), minimum diameter (MinD) and dish diameter (DD) of the radial heads were measured twice, 3–5 weeks apart, using digital calipers. Two fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons, an upper extremity fellow and a senior orthopedic resident were then asked to independently select a radial head implant diameter based on the congruency of the radius of curvature of the PRUJ to that of the radial head trial implants. The examiners were blinded to the native radial head dimensions. This selection was repeated 3–5 weeks later by two of the investigators. Correlation between radial head measurements and radial head implant diameter sizes was assessed using Pearsons correlation coefficient (PCC) and inter and intra-observer reliability were assessed using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. There was a positive correlation between each of the radial head measurements (MaxD, MinD and DD) and the selected radial head implant diameters (PCC of 0.56, 0.59 and 0.51 respectively; p<0.01). Measuring the MaxD, MinD and DD of the radial head showed excellent inter-observer reliability (ICC of 0.99, 1.00 and 0.82 respectively) and excellent intra-observer reliability (ICC of 0.99, 0.98 and 0.75 respectively). The PRUJ sizing method used to determine the diameter of the radial head implant showed poor inter-observer reliability with an ICC of 0.34 but good intra-observer reliability (ICC = 0.76). Conclusion. Measurements of the diameter of the excised radial head showed excellent intra and inter-observer reliability suggesting that the excised radial head, when available, should be used to select the radial head implant diameter. The inter-observer reliability of using the PRUJ for sizing the diameter of radial head implants was poor, indicating that this method is an unreliable technique for radial head implant diameter sizing. However, the high intra-observer reliability of the PRUJ method indicates that an observer tends to make the same size estimation, even weeks apart. This study suggests that the PRUJ radius of curvature may be different than that of the radial head. Further studies are needed to verify this hypothesis

We examined the effects of previous resection of the radial head and synovectomy on the outcome of subsequent total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Fifteen elbows with a history of resection and synovectomy were compared with a control group of patients who had elbow arthroplasty with an implant of the same design. The mean age in both groups was 63 years. In the study group, resection of the radial head and synovectomy had been undertaken at a mean of 8.9 years before arthroplasty. The mean radiological follow-up for the 13 available patients in the study group was 5.89 years (0.3 to 11.0) and in the control group was 6.6 years (2.2 to 12.6). There were no revisions in either group. The mean Mayo elbow performance score improved from 29 to 96 in the study group, with similar improvement in the control group (28 to 87). The study group had excellent results in 13 elbows and good results in two. The control group had excellent results in seven and good results in six. Our experience indicates that previous resection of the radial head and synovectomy are not associated with an increased rate of revision following subsequent arthroplasty of the elbow. However, there was a higher rate of complication in the study group compared with the control group

Fracture or resection of the radial head can cause unbalance and long-term functional complications in the elbow. Studies have shown that a radial head excision can change elbow kinematics and decrease elbow stability. The radial head is also important in both valgus and varus laxity and displacement. However, the effect of radial head on ulnohumeral joint load is not known. The objective of this experimental study was to compare the axial loading produced at the ulnohumeral joint during active flexion with and without a radial head resection. Ten cadaveric arms were used. Each specimen was prepared and secured in an elbow motion simulator. To simulate active flexion, the tendons of the biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis, and triceps were attached to servo motors. The elbow was moved through a full range of flexion. To quantify loads at the ulnohumeral joint, a load cell was implanted in the proximal ulna. Testing was conducted in the intact then radial head resected case, in supination in the horizontal, vertical, varus and valgus positions. When comparing the average loads during flexion, the axial ulnar load in the horizontal position was 89±29N in an intact state compared to 122±46N during radial head resection. In the vertical position, the intact state produced a 67±16N load while the resected state was 78±23N. In the varus and valgus positions, intact state resulted in loads of 57±26N and 18±3N, respectively. Conversely, with a radial head resection, varus and valus positions measured 56±23N and 54±23N loads, respectively. For both joint configurations, statistical differences were observed for all flexion angles in all arm positions during active flexion (p=0.0001). When comparing arm positions and flexion angle, statistical differences were measured between valgus, horizontal and vertical (p<0.005) except for varus position (p=0.64). Active flexion caused a variation in loads throughout flexion when comparing intact versus radial head resection. The most significant variation in ulnar loading occurred during valgus and horizontal flexion. The vertical and varus position showed little variation because the position of the arm is not affected by the loss of the radial head. However, in valgus position, the resected radial head creates a void in the joint space and, with gravity, causes greater compensatory ulnar loading. In the horizontal position, the forearm is not directly affected by gravitational pull and cannot adjust to counterbalance the resected radial head, therefore loads are localised in the ulnohumeral joint. These findings prove the importance of the radial head and that a radial head resection can overload the ulnohumeral side

INTRODUCTION:. Radial head arthroplasty is a reliable procedure with good functional outcomes when faced with irreparable radial head fractures. Since the first attempt at arthroplasty by Speed in 1941, there have been a variety of different designs created for radial head prostheses. There has been considerable recent interest in bipolar radial head components. However, to date, there have been few biomechanical studies comparing bipolar components to their monopolar counterparts. We examine the effects of alteration of axial length of the radial head prosthesis and force conveyed at the radiocapitellar joint in a head-to-head comparison of bipolar implants to monopolar implants. METHODS:. Sixteen fresh-frozen, sided cadaveric arms were utilized. Radial heads were resected and either a monopolar, rigid, metal radial head prosthesis (Solar, Stryker, Mahwah, NJ) was implanted or a bipolar metal prosthesis used (Katalyst, Integra, Plainsboro, NJ). Adjustments of radial head length were made in 2 mm increments using radiolucent washers to create an understuffed (−2), neutral (0), and overstuffed (+2, +4) effect, see Fig. 1. Forearms were cyclically loaded in compression from 13N to 130N with the forearm in neutral. Radiocapitellar forces were measured using Tekscan (Tekscan, Inc., Boston, MA) pressure sensors with radial head length set at −2 mm, 0, +2 mm and +4 mm and comparisons were made with the neutral (0) radial head, see Fig. 2. Multivariant ANOVA with Tukey's HSD correction was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS:. Radiocapitellar average peak pressures using monopolar and bipolar radial heads in arms that were understuffed (−2 mm), were 0.54 and 0.39 MPa, respectively; neutral (0 mm), 0.68 and 0.36 MPa; and overstuffed (+2 mm), 0.44 and 0.39 MPa; (+4 mm), 0.48 and 0.40 MPa, respectively. There was a noticeable stepwise increase in force transmitted with progressive radial head lengthening regardless of implant design. Radiocapitellar forces were almost 1.5 times greater with monopolar radial head overstuffing (+4) compared to neutral (0) while they essentially doubled with bipolar radial head overstuffing (+4) compared to neutral (0) (p < 0.01). The average change in measured values for the monopolar prostheses compared to the bipolar prostheses in the same arm are shown in Figure 2. DISCUSSION:. Progressive radial head lengthening regardless of implant design was associated with a stepwise increase in radiocapitellar joint force. Radiocapitellar forces where notably lower with the bipolar radial head when compared to their monopolar counterparts. This may in part be due to the bipolar design which allows for increased play at the radiocapitellar junction., see Fig. 3. Significance: Sizing and selection of the radial head implant plays a critical role in restoring native radiocapitellar loads and may prevent accelerated wear at the radiocapitellar joint after radial head arthroplasty. Figure 1 – Radial head length was controlled by applying 2 mm thick washers beneath the head, shown here with a monopolar prosthesis. Figure 2 – The bipolar radial head transmitted less force, greater contact area and lower peak pressures than with monopolar prostheses. Figure 3 – This radiographic image shows the potential for the bipolar radial head implant to realign to the joint under load

Radial head fractures are common and mainly require a functional conservative treatment. About 20% of patients will present an unsatisfactory final functional result. There is, however, little data allowing us to predict which patients are at risk of bad evolve. This makes it difficult to optimize our therapeutic strategies in these patients. The aim of this study is to determine the personal and environmental factors that influence the functional prognosis of patients with a radial head fracture. We realized over a 1-year period a prospective observational longitudinal cohort study including 125 consecutive patients referred for a fracture of the radial head in a tertiary trauma center. We originally collected the factors believed to be prognostic indicators: age, sex, socioeconomic status, factors related to trauma or fracture, alcohol, tobacco, detection of depression scale, and financial compensation. A clinical and radiological follow-up took place at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The main functional measurement tool is the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). 123 patients were included in the study. 114 patients required nonsurgical management. 102 patients completed the 1-year follow-up for the main outcome (89 for the DASH score). Two patients required an unplanned surgery and were excluded from analyses. At 1 year, the average MEPS was 96.5 (range, 65–100) and 81% of subjects had an excellent result (MEPS ≥90). The most constant factor to predict an unsatisfactory functional outcome (MEPS <90 or DASH >17) is the presence of depressive symptoms at the initial time of the study (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0009, respectively). This factor is present throughout the follow-up. Other observed factors include a higher socioeconomic status (P = 0.009), the presence of financial compensation (P = 0.027), and a high-velocity trauma (P = 0.04). The severity of the fracture, advanced age, female sex, and the nature of the treatment does not influence the result at 1 year. No factor has been associated with a reduction in range of motion. Most of the radial head fractures heal successfully. We identified for the first time, with a valid tool, the presence of depressive symptoms at the time of the fracture as a significant factor for an unsatisfactory functional result. Early detection is simple and fast and would allow patients at risk to adopt complementary strategies to optimize the result

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of re-dislocation of the radial head after corrective osteotomy for chronic dislocation. A total of 12 children with a mean age of 11 years (5 to 16), with further dislocation of the radial head after corrective osteotomy of the forearm, were followed for a mean of five years (2 to 10). Re-operations were performed for radial head re-dislocation in six children, while the other six did not undergo re-operation (‘non-re-operation group’). The active range of movement (ROM) of their elbows was evaluated before and after the first operation, and at the most recent follow-up. . In the re-operation group, there were significant decreases in extension, pronation, and supination when comparing the ROM following the corrective osteotomy and following re-operation (p < 0.05). . The children who had not undergone re-operation achieved a better ROM than those who had undergone re-operation. . There was a significant difference in mean pronation (76° vs 0°) between the non- re-operation and the re-operation group (p = 0.002), and a trend towards increases in mean flexion (133° vs 111°), extension (0° vs 23°), and supination (62° vs 29°). We did not find a clear benefit for re-operation in children with a re-dislocation following corrective osteotomy for chronic dislocation of the radial head. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1582–7