Abstract
Purpose To analyze the results obtained with the implantation of radial head prostheses in our center and compare them with the results published in the literature. Materials and methods We carried out a descriptive retrospective study of Mason type III and IV radial head fractures treated in our hospital between July 2003 and November 2005 by jeans of prosthetic implantation. The series comprised 15 arthroplasties, of which only 12 were followed up appropriately (mean of 18.1 months). In order to assess clinical results, we used the Mayo functional score combined with other clinical parameters (loss of grip strength, length of time necessary to return to previous activity level). In radiological results, we considered proximal radial migration and any changes affecting the elbow and wrist joints. Results We obtained 6 excellent results, 3 good results,1 fair and 1 poor. The poor results required the implant to be withdrawn. None of the cases had associated wrist pain, although half of the patients reported loss of grip strength. Conclusions The promising results obtained would seem to indicate that radial head arthroplasty is a good therapeutic solution for fractures with elbow instability and for some fractures with no associated instability but which are not amenable to osteosynthesis. It should be said, however, that our follow-up is too short to be able to make any hard-andfast assumptions on the implant's survivorship or long-term complications.
Published Version
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