A study on functional outcome of radial head arthroplasty in comminuted radial head fracture

Author(s): Vidisha Kulkarni, Nikhil Lambat, Tejas Patil, Shreya Joshi, Shrinivas Jadhav and Vijay Dattu

Abstract: Introduction: Excision is not a suitable treatment for all comminuted fracture of the radial head. In elbow instability can be predicated, radial head arthroplasty is more effective. So the aim of this paper is to study of functional outcome of radial head arthroplasty in comminuted radial head fracture (Modified masons type III and type IV) Materials and Method: From April 2018 to April 2020, radial head arthroplasty with radial head prosthesis were performed in 30 patients. There were 12 female and 18 male with mean age of 40.3 years. Total no. of patients of right side were 16 and left side were 14. The follow-up was at 1^st, 3^rd, 6^thmonths. Fractures of the radial head have been classified by Modified Mason classification. The indications for a radial head arthroplasty were type III fractures in 22 cases, type IV fractures in 8 cases, and comminuted radial fracture associated with disruption of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in 5 cases, disruption of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in 2 cases, elbow dislocation with LCL and MCL disruption in 8, olecranon fracture in 2 cases. Patients were assessed postoperatively and on follow-up at 1^st,3^rd, 6^th months based on Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) Score. Results: Results of the study based on MEPI score, out of 30 cases, 20 cases had excellent results, 8 cases had good results, 1 case had fair result, and 1 case had poor result. Out of 30 cases 28cases had no complications, 1 case had CRPS, and 1 case had Elbow joint stiffness. Conclusion: Radial head arthroplasty can be used successfully with most of excellent results for treatment of Comminuted radial head fracture (The Modified Mason classification type III and IV radial head fractures).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2020.v6.i3k.2270