Analysis And Discussion Of Cubitus Valgus And Other Factors Of Complications After Artificial Radial Head Replacement

Objective:To analyse and discuss cubitus valgus and other factors of complications after Artificial radial head replacement.Methods:From August2008to November2011,21cases of radial head fractures were treated using artificial radial head replacement. Out of these cases,11were females and10males with an age range from24to79years old (Mean age44.6years). There were12cases of radial head fracture in the left arm and9reported cases in the right arm.One case had a combined diatal humeral fracture with5cases of combined olecranon fracture and6cases with combined elbow dislocation. By Mason type, type Ⅲ fracture in18cases, type IV fracture in3cases; all patients were closed injury and got surgery in2weeks after injury. From injury to surgery,the average time is5.3d (2d～11d). Results:The mean follow-up was from5to79months (mean39.9months),two cases were reportedly lost for follow-up.By Mayo elbow performance scoring system, it was assessed that16cases were excellent (81.5%),3cases good (11.1%) and2cases being fair (7.4%).Fine rate was90.5%.Out of the21cases, postoperative measurement of bilateral elbow carrying angle compared with the contralateral, there were4cases whose ipsilateral cubitus valgus angle were greater than10degrees above the contralateral side, accounting for19%.Furthermore,7cases had different degrees of radius around a stem radiolucent area, accounting for33.3%.There were no wound infection, nerve damage, metallic foreign body reaction, increased elbow valgus and wrist deformities with other complications.1case had stiffness of the elbow and had arthrolysis. There were5cases of mild heterotopic ossification in the elbow, but did not cause the movement of the elbow and forearm to be significantly affected.Conclusion:artificial radial head replacement for treatment of radial head fractures receive satisfactory middle term results. The reason for the occurrence of cubitus valgus in some patients may be because of not having enough prosthesis, the lack of strength of prosthesis loosening prosthesis and others.