Late Results in Fractures of the Radial Head Treated by Excision

Abstract

Late results of radial head excision were studied in 60 patients who had isolated fractures of the radial head. Symptomatic elbows were found in 43% of the patients, osteoarthritis in 52%, and valgus deformity in 30%. Elbow motion was restricted in 63%, and new bone formation at the surgical site was noted in 57% of the patients. Forearm rotation was limited in 58%. A proximal radioulnar synostosis was found in 7%, and proximal migration of the radius was present in 47%. A definite and symptomatic subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint was found in 25%. Overall results were unsatisfactory (fair and poor) in 50% of the patients. Excision of the radial head is a serious operation and is followed by a high proportion of complications. The indications for this operation should be relatively limited.