The effect of radial head replacement on terrible triad of elbow

Abstract

Objective To observe the short-term effect of radial head replacement for the treatment of of the elbow.Methods In the period between June 2011 and June 2012,the radial head replacements were carried out in six patients with of elbow.There were five acute elbow fracture-dislocation cases and one old fractnre case.All cases underwent open reduction and fixation coronoid fracture with screws or nonabsorbable sutures,radial head replacement,repair of lateral ligament complex and repair or reconstruction of annular ligament.All patients initiated the rehabilitation program under supervision within 5-7 days after surgery.The X-ray and Computed tomography of elbow was used to evaluate the posi tion of radial head prosthesis.Functional outcome of elbow was assessed by Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and complications.Results All patients were participated in follow-up for 10-24 months and the mean duration of follow-up was 16.8 months.The MEPS was from 85 to 95 points and the mean MEPS was 91.7 points.The outcome of MEPS was excellent in 5 cases,good in 1 case.The range motion of elbow flexion was from 82 to 95 degrees and the average of elbow flexion was 87 degrees; the range motion of extension was from 15 to 32 degrees and the average of elbow extension was 21 degrees.The range motion of fore-ann pronation was from 82 to 90 degrees with 86 degrees in average.The motion range of supination was from 45 to 80 degrees with 56 degrees in average.All cases got persistent stability in elbow with painless movement.None of patient suffered traumatic arthritis and infection.The motion range of elbow was restricted due to the unfit relative position of radial head prosthesis and capi tellum in one case,characterized by decreasing radiocapitellar joint space.Two cases developed into heterotopic ossification in elbow without hampering the motion range of elbow.Conclusion The outcome of the radial head replacement on the treatment of radial head fracture in the elbow terrible triad was satisfactory.However,the longer duration of observation was essential to verify the favorable effect of radial head replacement on dealing with in elbow. Key words: Elbow joint; Factures bone; Arthroplasty, replacement, elbow