Radial Head Fractures Research Articles

Iatrogenic injury of posterior interosseous nerve during osteosynthesis for the fracture of radial head via Kaplan's approach. A report of two cases

Iatrogenic injury of posterior interosseous nerve during osteosynthesis for the fracture of radial head via Kaplan's approach. A report of two cases

Variants of terrible triad of the elbow: A brief literature review

Elbow fractures with dislocation are a challenge to treat and are associated with poor clinical outcomes as outlined in the literature. The terrible triad of the elbow is a combination of radial head fracture, coronoid process fracture, injury to collateral ligaments, and posterior dislocation of the elbow. The involvement of osseous and chondral supports around the elbow are considered as the variants in the terrible triad of elbow. We are reporting a brief review on such terrible triad variance of the elbow including cases who underwent management at our institute and a glimpse on other globally reported cases of similar variance. As it is necessary for the treating clinicians to get well-versed with such injuries, which can be easily missed during evaluation. The data available on these entities are limited and there is a further need to educate the clinicians regarding the same and its implications on the patients

Evaluation of Type III and IV radial head fractures treated with radial head prosthesis: A retrospective study

Evaluation of Type III and IV radial head fractures treated with radial head prosthesis: A retrospective study

In Mason Type-2 Radial Head Fracture, Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment Did Not Differ for Functional Outcomes at 12 Months.

In Mason Type-2 Radial Head Fracture, Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment Did Not Differ for Functional Outcomes at 12 Months.

Wound infection in elbow fractures: Incidence and new management protocol.

Wound infection in elbow fractures: Incidence and new management protocol.

Fracture profiles of a 4-year cohort of 266,324 first incident upper extremity fractures from population health data in Ontario

BackgroundUnderstanding the profiles of different upper extremity fractures, particularly those presenting as a 1st incident can inform prevention and management strategies. The purpose of this population-level study was to describe first incident fractures of the upper extremity in terms of fracture characteristics and demographics.MethodsCases with a first adult upper extremity (UE) fracture from the years 2013 to 2017 were extracted from administrative data in Ontario. Fracture locations (ICD-10 codes) and associated characteristics (open/closed, associated hospitalization within 1-day, associated nerve, or tendon injury) were described by fracture type, age category and sex. Standardized mean differences of at least 10% (clinical significance) and statistical significance (p < 0.01) in ANOVA were used to identify group differences (age/sex).ResultsWe identified 266,324 first incident UE fractures occurring over 4 years. The most commonly affected regions were the hand (93 K), wrist/forearm(80 K), shoulder (48 K) or elbow (35 K). The highest number of specific fractures were: distal radius (DRF, 47.4 K), metacarpal (30.4 K), phalangeal (29.9 K), distal phalangeal (24.4 K), proximal humerus (PHF, 21.7 K), clavicle (15.1 K), radial head (13.9 K), and scaphoid fractures (13.2 K). The most prevalent multiple fractures included: multiple radius and ulna fractures (11.8 K), fractures occurring in multiple regions of the upper extremity (8.7 K), or multiple regions in the forearm (8.4 K). Tendon (0.6% overall; 8.2% in multiple finger fractures) or nerve injuries were rarely reported (0.3% overall, 1.5% in distal humerus). Fractures were reported as being open in 4.7% of cases, most commonly for distal phalanx (23%). A similar proportion of females (51.5%) and males were present in this fracture cohort, but there were highly variant age-sex profiles across fracture subtypes. Fractures most common in 18–40-year-old males included metacarpal and finger fractures. Fractures common in older females were: DRF, PHF and radial head, which exhibited a dramatic increase in the over-50 age group.ConclusionsUE fracture profiles vary widely by fracture type. Fracture specific prevention and management should consider fracture profiles that are highly variable according to age and sex.

Electric Scooter–Related Upper Limb Fractures: Analysis of 458 Cases

To perform an analysis of electric scooter (e-scooter)-related upper limb fractures (ULFs), which have increased dramatically in parallel with the rapid rise in the use of e-scooters and shared e-scooter services in recent years. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of e-scooter-related emergency department visits between January 2017 and January 2020 at a level I trauma center. Allpatients with ULFs were included in the study, and their data were analyzed for demographics, fracture diagnosis, associated injuries, and required surgical treatment. This study included 356 patients (50% men) with 458 ULFs, of which 23 (5%) were open fractures. The mean age of the cohort was 32.9 years (standard deviation, 10.1 years). The most common mechanism of injury was rider fall (92.1%). The nondominant hand was injured in 53.1% of cases, and 32.1% of all fractures were treated with surgery. A total of 120 (33.7%) patients sustained more than 1 ipsilateral ULF, and 27 (7.6%) patients had a concomitant contralateral ULF. Radial head fracture was the most common fracture type (n= 123, 26.8%), of which 16 (13%) were bilateral. The fifth ray was injured most frequently among the metacarpal and phalangeal fractures (n= 33, 47.1%). Most of the nonextremity-associated injuries were those of the head and maxillofacial bones. The most common ULF associated with e-scooters was the radial head fracture. Physicians should be alert to and seek associated fractures during initial assessments of e-scooter-related upper limb injuries. Further investigation may be warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures in reducing the number of injuries. Therapeutic IV.

169 Clinical Outcomes of Radial Head Arthroplasty as Primary Treatment for Post-traumatic Mason Type 3 and 4 Fractures: A Long-term Follow-up

Abstract Aim Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is the favoured treatment for complex radial head fractures, enabling functional restoration of elbow kinematics. However, study of long-term outcomes associated with RHA is largely neglected. This study aimed to fill the gap in the literature by firstly, assessing functional outcomes, and secondly, determining complications and rates of revision and/or removal of prosthesis associated with RHA, at our district general hospital. Method We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive single-surgeon series of patients receiving RHA as primary treatment for radial head fractures graded either 3 or 4 according to the Mason-Johnston classification between 2004 and 2009. Function at final follow-up was assessed using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (q-DASH) score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results 16 patients identified; 12 available for final follow-up. Mean follow-up time of 12.60 years (range: 10.67-16.08). Mean q-DASH score of 8.2 (range: 0-34.1). Mean MEPS of 85.83 (range: 50-100) with 11 (91.67%) reporting excellent/good results. All complications occurred within the first year post-operatively. Stiffness was the most common (50%) complication, but additional procedures improved objective range of movement in affected patients. Only one patient required implant revision throughout follow-up, which was due to prosthesis subluxation in the first month. Conclusions This study is amongst the first to examine clinical outcomes associated with RHA with an average follow-up &amp;gt;12 years. Our results emphasise good functional restoration and low implant failure rate. Regular follow-up particularly in the early post-operative period is essential in detecting and resolving complications.

Comparative Study between Surgical Excision of Radial Head Fracture versus Arthroplasty, a Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract Background Radial head fracture is the most frequently diagnosed fracture of the elbow in adults. The radial head is a secondary valgus stabilizer of the joint and it is involved in transmission of axial force load through the elbow during flexion. It is also a varus and external rotatory constraint. Aim of the Work to compare the functional outcome between excision of head radius and Arthroplasty in surgical management of radial head fractures (Mason types III and IV) and to assess the complications of both techniques. Patients and methods This systemic review included subjects suffered comminuted radial head fracture Mason type III or type IV treated by radial head excision or arthroplastyin the last 14 years from 2004 till 2018. Results: The database search identified 152 potentially relevant articles. Abstracts have been analyzed following inclusion and exclusion criteria and a total of 17 papers were selected for the present review. Most of retrospective studies on metal radial head prosthesis have been published in the last ten years in comparison to a lack of studies for radial head excision in the last two decades. Moreover, few articles on comparison of the two surgical techniques have been found. Because of heterogeneity in level of evidence, surgical technique, type of implants, and rehabilitation protocol, we did not perform statistical data analysis. Conclusion No clinical differences between radial head excision and arthroplasty as both methods are considerable regarding complication on long &amp; mid-term follow up and functional outcome assessed by DASH, VAS, MEPS &amp; ROM.

Trans-Scaphoid Perilunate Fracture Dislocation with Ipsilateral Terrible Triad Injury of The Elbow: Case report

ABSTRACT Background: Complex elbow dislocations are injuries in which there is a significant risk of long-term disability. The combination of elbow dislocation with both radial head and coronoid process fracture is particularly challenging to treat and, as such, has been termed terrible triad injury (TTI) of the elbow. TTI is typically caused by high-energy falls onto an outstretched hand. Case report: A-48-years-old male patient, not known to have any medical illnesses, presented to Emergency Department Orthopedic, King Fahad General Hospital, complaining of right elbow, forearm and wrist pain and deformities after history of fall down directly to his right hyperflexed wrist and extended elbow that resulted in elbow dislocation and ipsilateral transscaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation. Management: Patient was shifted to operation room for open reduction internal fixation. We started with elbow through posterior elbow approach, coronoid reduced that was fixed by two interfragmentry screws. Then for olecranon fracture, through same posterior incision, ulnar nerve was identified and protected and fracture was reduced and fixed with anatomical plate. Elbow stability was checked where it was stable. Then, distal radius open reduction through dorsal approach and internal fixation with LC-DCP was achieved. Additionally, through dorsal approach, lunate dislocation and scaphoid fracture were reduced and fixed with 6 k-wires and spaning external fixator applied from radius to 2nd metacarpal to maintain reduction. Conclusion: In case of right terrible triad injury of the elbow with ipsilateral trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation, only urgent surgical treatment of both elbow and wrist may achieve good results.

Extracorporeal Reconstruction of the Radial Head

Radial head fractures are common in adults. The radial head acts as an important stabilizer of the radius, especially during the forearm pronation and supination. Surgical treatment of Mason type III fracture of the radial head includes radial head excision, radial head replacement and open reduction and internal fixation. For patients treated with radial head excision, the radius might migrate proximally, causing complications such as chronic pain at the wrist, forearm, and elbow. On the other hand, radial head arthroplasty is associated with a high revision and removal rate. Hence, openreduction and internal fixation are preferred when feasible. This is technically demanding due to the severe displacement of the radial head fragments and limited surgical space. Mr K, a 30-year-old manual worker sustained a closed right radial head fracture Mason type III after an alleged fall. The radial head was displaced anteriorly. Intra-operatively, the radial headpieces were retrieved and were reconstructed extracorporeal and fixed with a miniplate. The patient subsequently recovered with good function. The new technique of extracorporeal reconstruction of the radial head offers a viable option to the surgeon with similar, or even better, outcomes in terms of elbow function.

Cemented radial head arthroplasty: Does radiographic loosening have an effect on clinical and functional outcomes? Average 10 years’ results

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of radiographic loosening on clinical and functional outcomes, while presenting the mid-term radiographic and functional outcomes of cemented, monopolar RHA applied to patients with comminuted radial head fractures. We performed a retrospective study by evaluating the records of patients who were diagnosed in a single center with radial head fractures between 2001 and 2013. Twenty-six patients with comminuted radial head fractures with a mean age of 48.9 and a mean follow-up time of 132.2months were included. The radiographic evaluation was performed by assessing peri-prosthetic radiolucent lines around the stem to evaluate loosening, while the clinical evaluation was performed by utilizing elbow range of motion (ROM), Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Oxford elbow score (OES) and quick-DASH scores. 13 patients (Group 1) with peri-prosthetic stem lucency were defined as radiographic loosening (50%), while the remaining 13 patients (Group 2) were not detected to have stem lucency. One patient in group 1 also had concomitant pain and underwent removal of the prosthesis, while 12 patients (92.3%) remained pain-free. On the latest follow-up visit, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding ROM, MEPS, OES and quick-DASH scores. Within ten years following surgery, half of the patients with radial head prostheses were noted to show radiographic signs of loosening which did not have any major negative effect in terms of clinical-functional outcomes and quality of life, except requiring the removal of the implant in one patient. Level III.

The radiological findings in complex elbow fracture-dislocation injuries.

Elbow fracture-dislocation is a complex injury which can lead to significant bony and soft tissue damage. Surgical intervention is guided towards restoring joint stability, allowing early mobilization and preventing long-term joint stiffness. The most common types are posterolateral, posteromedial, Monteggia type (and variants), and anterior trans-olecranon fracture-dislocations. Posterolateral fracture-dislocation is characterized by a radial head fracture (± anterolateral coronoid fracture) and typically capsuloligamentous disruption (lateral collateral ligaments injury is the most common). A posterolateral fracture-dislocation with radial head and coronoid anterolateral facet fractures is termed a terrible triad injury. In posteromedial fracture-dislocation, there is a fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid, typically with proximal avulsion of the lateral collateral ligaments (± injury to the posterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament). Monteggia fracture-dislocation injuries demonstrate proximal ulnar fracture (with possible involvement of the olecranon and the coronoid) and radial head dislocation. These can be divided into apex anterior or apex posterior variants. The latter are commonly associated with radial head fractures and lateral ligamentous injury, and have a worse prognosis. In trans-olecranon fracture-dislocation, there is significant disruption of the greater sigmoid notch and the olecranon, with various involvement of the coronoid and the proximal ulna. The article describes the radiological findings and outlines the management principles in complex elbow fracture-dislocation injuries.

Retrospective review of pyrocarbon radial head replacement

Radial head arthroplasty is the preferred surgical management for complex, unreconstructable radial head fractures. There has been increasing use of pyrocarbon prostheses, with potential tribology and modulus advantages over metallic counterparts. This study aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes for radial head replacement after trauma using a modular, uncemented pyrocarbon prosthesis. Between September 2009 and March 2020, a consecutive series of 22 trauma cases were available for review. Patients underwent radial head arthroplasty using a pyrocarbon prosthesis (Ascension Modular Radial Head System, Austin, TX). Recorded outcomes included clinical assessment, radiological evaluation, and patient-reported outcome measures specific to elbow function. Twenty-two patients (7 male, 15 female) with an average age of 51 years (range 21-64) were analyzed with a minimum 12 months of follow-up. All patients had complex radial head fractures, categorized as a Mason 3 or 4 injury. At follow-up, mean elbow range of motion included flexion 130° (range 100°-150°), extension 19° (0-50°), pronation 73° (30°-90°), and supination 70° (10°-90°). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index score was 83 (55-100), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 22 (2.5-60). Radiological evaluation showed 14 patients with asymptomatic proximal neck resorption and two patients with radiological stem loosening. In total, 3 of 22 implants were revised-2 were excised, and 1 revised to a long stem for traumatic implant fracture. Pyrocarbon radial head arthroplasty provided reliable functional results for patients after unreconstructable radial head fracture. The unique potential for fracture of the prosthesis should be considered in long-term follow-up, with appropriate activity advice to patients.

Acute Radial Head Resection for Fracture: are We Likely to Miss an Essex-Lopresti Injury?

Given the current available evidence, surgical treatment of radial head fracture with acute resection is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether acute resection of the radial head for a radial head fracture leads to longitudinal forearm instability due to a missed Essex-Lopresti injury. A retrospective review was conducted of radial head resections performed for acute radial head fractures at two Level I trauma centers from 2000 to 2018. A total of 11 patients met inclusion criteria. Our primary outcome was a missed Essex-Lopresti injury at time of final clinical follow-up. Long-term telephone follow-up was attempted for QuickDASH, pain scores, and satisfaction scores. Of the 11 radial head fractures in this study, intraoperative radial pull tests were performed and normal in 6 patients. No patient was found to have a missed Essex-Lopresti injury at a mean of 36.2 months' clinical follow-up after radial head resection. At a mean telephone follow-up of 12.6 years in available patients, mean QuickDASH was 3.4, mean satisfaction was 9.75 out of 10, and no further complication or reoperation was reported. Our findings challenge the dogma that the radial head cannot be safely excised in the setting of acute fracture, even with elbow instability and/or wrist pain, particularly when intraoperative longitudinal stability is assessed by a stress maneuver.

The three-column concept of elbow joint stability and the Wrightington elbow fracture-dislocation classification, emphasizing the role of cross-sectional imaging.

Elbow fracture-dislocation is a complex injury with a combination of osseous and soft tissue disruption. Different classification systems have been used to describe the injury pattern and help guide the management. The article describes the important cross-sectional findings in complex elbow fracture-dislocation injuries based on the relatively new Wrightington classification. This includes the various elements and patterns seen in elbow fracture-dislocations providing a simple and comprehensive system to classify these injuries and help guide the surgical management. The article also describes the three-column concept of elbow joint stability, dividing the elbow joint osseous structures into lateral, middle and medial columns. Detailed radiological assessment of the fractures pattern is vital to understand the mechanism of injury, allowing clinicians to predict the associated capsuloligamentous injury and help guide the management decisions. The Wrightington elbow fracture-dislocation classification categorizes the injuries according to the ulnar coronoid process and radial head fractures. Type A is an anteromedial coronoid fracture. Type B is a bifacet or basal coronoid fracture, with B + indicating associated radial head fracture. Type C is a combined anterolateral facet and radial head or comminuted radial head fractures. Type D is a diaphyseal ulnar fracture, with D + indicating associated radial head fracture.

Evaluation of results of fracture head and neck of radius managed by varius methods

Radial head fractures are the most frequent fracture type reported around the elbow. Fractures have been documented to occur in isolation or with other associated osseous and soft tissue injuries. However, despite intensive research into these injuries, controversies still exist regarding the role of further imaging modalities, the use of non-operative management, as well as the indication and technique for operative intervention. To analyses the clinical and functional outcome of patients with head and neck fracture of radius managed by conservative method, open reduction and internal fixation, radial head prosthesis and radial head excision. This study “evaluation of results of fracture head and neck of radius managed by various methods” was carried out in M.K.C.G Medical College, Berhampur from September 2017 to October 2019. Eighty patients of radial head and neck fractures were treated and hereby included in our study. We collected records of the patients by asking the patients history and examining the patients. Essential investigations of all the patients were done. The primary outcome measures were the surgeon reported Mayo Elbow Score (MES) and the patient reported Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Current evidence supports open reduction and internal fixation of simple Mason type II fractures. For Mason type III fractures, controversy still exists regarding the optimal treatment. Studies currently show good to excellent results with radial head replacement in the majority of patients with Mason type III fractures with three or more fracture fragments.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of autologous humeral bone grafting for radial head reconstruction: a minimum 2-year follow-up.

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the clinical and functional results of radial head reconstruction with an autologous bone graft from distal humerus in 12 patients, with a follow-up for a period of 24months. From March 2017 to June 2018, we surgically treated 12 patients using an autologous bone graft from the lateral distal metaphysis of the homolateral humerus. Patients were divided into two groups: -Group A consisted of patients with previous failed ORIF for radial head fracture. Patients underwent revision surgery at an average time of 7months (between 6 to 8months) from the first surgery. All the patients reported pain during the elbow range of motion with no gross clinical signs or instability of the joint. They all presented standard X-ray and CT-scan of the elbow suggestive of non-union fracture. None of them presented osteoarthritic modification at the time of surgery. -Group B consisted of patients reporting acute irreparable radial head fractures. Patients were evaluated clinically at 6-, 12-, and 24-months duration according to Disabilities of the Arm. Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Visual analogue score for pain (VAS);, range of motion (ROM) was evaluated at 6 and 24months after surgery. Plain radiographs on anteroposterior and lateral views of the elbow were evaluated at final follow-up. In both, groups (A and B) patients showed a significant improvement with regards to VAS, MEPS, and DASH at each follow-up (p < 0.05). X-rays showed complete bone healing in all patients with no sign of mobilisation or loosening of the screws. One case in group A presented asymptomatic partial ossification of LUCL. No cases of fracture or residual pain at the donor site. Furthermore, no other complications such as infection, wound issues, elbow instability, elbow stiffness, ulnar neuritis, graft non-union were reported. Distal humerus bone graft should be considered a reliable option for the treatment of acute fractures that are unrepairable fractures or revision surgery for failed ORIF of the radial head, especially among young patients where prosthesis may be reserved as a salvage procedure, and radial head resection is a damaging and is not considered desirable. Level IV - Prospective Case Series.

Lateral minimal approach to the terrible triad of the elbow: a treatment protocol in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital.

BackgroundThis study aimed to report the surgical techniques and results of treating coronoid process and radial head fracture combined with dislocation of the elbow (terrible triad of the elbow) using a single lateral incision, known as the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) split approach.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of 109 patients with terrible triad of the elbow who had been treated by the authors from January 2013 to December 2019. The participants included 67 males and 42 females, with a mean age of 42.2 years (14–71 years). All participants were treated via a single lateral approach. The coronoid process was fixated with Kirschner wires combined with anterior capsule suture lasso fixation. For the radial head fracture, 58 cases were fixated by AO headless cannulated screw (AO HCS) and 51 cases by acumed radial head replacement. In repair of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex and the common extensor tendon, 28 cases used ETHIBOND suture through bone holes at the humeral lateral epicondyle, and the other 81 cases used suture anchors. No medial collateral ligament was repaired. A total of 46 participants were fixated with a Stryker dynamic joint distractor (DJD) II hinged external fixator to protect the bone and soft tissue.ResultsAll participants were followed up from 6 to 60 months (mean, 36.1 months). Their elbow range of flexion and extension averaged 123.4°±20.7°, forearm rotation 151.0°±25.6°, and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) 92.3±8.8. There were 22 participants (19.5%) with ulnar nerve symptoms, 16 (14.7%) who had elbow stiffness, and 7 underwent secondary surgery, including 6 removals of internal fixation, 5 arthrolyses of the elbow, and 2 ulnar neurolyses.ConclusionsCoronoid fractures, radial head fractures, and LCL injuries of the terrible triad of the elbow can be treated satisfactorily through a lateral minimal incision, combined with a hinged external fixation if necessary.

Elbow Arthrodesis Surgical Technique.

Elbow arthrodesis is an uncommon salvage procedure indicated for failed total elbow arthroplasty, segmental bone loss near the elbow, and severe postinfectious or posttraumatic arthritis. This video demonstrates the surgical technique for elbow arthrodesis in a patient with segmental bony defect of the ulna and postinfectious and posttraumatic elbow arthritis after a severe left arm degloving injury with Monteggia fracture dislocation and radial head fracture.