Radial Head Prosthetic Replacement For Comminuted Radial Head Fractures

Objective:The aim of this study is to retrospectively review the outcomes of12patients with radial replacement,evaluate the stabilizer of the elbow.indication of radial head prosthetic replacement,surgical techniques and the complications after surgery.Methods:From January2008to December2011,radial head prostheses were performed in12patients.There were9Mason-Johnston type III cases and3type IV cases.The average follow-up duration was18months.We evaluated the motion of the elbow,the functional results using the modified Broberg and Morrey functional rating index.and the complications.Results:The average arc of motion was from3.8°to130.0°,with78.7°of pronation and82.1°of supination. By the modified Broberg and Morrey functional rating index,6patients(50.0%) had excellent results,5patients(41.7%) had good results,1patient(8.3%) had fair results.The excellent/good rate was91.7%.No severe complications were found.2patients developed mild ectopic ossification.but did not affect the motion of elbow.Conclusion:It showed a good short-term and medium-term outcomes using radial head prostheses to treat comminuted radial head fractures.