Monopolar ­radial­ head ­arthroplasty­ in ­the ­treatment­ of ­fracture and ­fracture-dislocations ­of ­the ­radius

Abstract

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a consecutive series of patients with fracture and fracture-dislocations of the radius, treated with a monopolar radial head arthroplasty.Methods: Twenty patients were included. Inclusion criteria: <18 years old, with fracture and fracture-dislocations of the radius, treated with a titanium monopolar radial head arthroplasty and a minimun follow-up of one year. Fifteen were female, average age of 59 years old. Seven were isolated radial head fractures and 13 were fracture-dislocations. Loosening of the implant, capitelar erosion, overstuffing and heterotopic ossification were evaluated. Average follow-up was 26 months.Results: Flexo-extension was 139°-5° and prono-supination 79°-79°. Total arc of motion was 134°. Grip strength was 84% of the contralateral side. Pain according to a visual analogue scale was 2, DASH: 11 points. Thirteen patients had excellent results and 6 good. Loosening of the implant (12 patients), capitelar erosion (4 patients) and overstuffing (2 patients) were detected. One patient had an ulnar neuropathy and he was operated on and one patient required implant removal due to loosening and pain.Conclusions: The replacement of the radial head in a non-reconstructable fracture is a feasible treatment option, with good functional results in a short and medium term. Joint stability was restored in all cases and the index of asymptomatic implant loosening was elevated.