Volume : 7, Issue : 7, July - 2018

SHORT TERM RESULTS OF REPLACEMENT ARTHROPLASTY IN IRREPERABLE MASON TYPE III RADIAL HEAD FRACTURES

Anish Agarwalla, Lg Krishna, Akshat Sharma, Ketan Pandey

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;Background: The radial head is considered as the main stabilizer of the elbow especially when the medial and</p> <div>lateral ulnar collateral ligaments have been damaged. Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is indicated for patients with</div> <div>unreconstructible radial head fractures or previously treated radial head fractures leading to non-union, irrespective of the mode of</div> <div>treatment given. The present study was carried out to analyze the early clinical results after treatment of irreparable radial head fractures</div> <div>with radial head replacement.</div> <div>Methods:32 patients with Mason‘s type III radial head fractures were treated with cemented monoblock radial head replacement during</div> <div>2014-2016. The patients were followed up for a period ranging from minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 23 months, with average</div> <div>being 1 year. During each visit their functional outcome with any associated complications were noted and were graded with Mayo‘s elbow</div> <div>performance score(MEPS).</div> <div>Results: At the 􀃶nal follow up, 24 patients (75%) had excellent results, 6 (18.75%) good and two (6.25%) had fair results. 6 patients were</div> <div>associated with complications like pain, stiffness and valgus elbow instability. Variables like MEPS, pain and stiffness were found to have</div> <div>signi􀃶cant association with time interval between injury and surgery, with cases being operated earlier showing better results. Signi􀃶cant</div> <div>association was also seen between associated elbow injury and elbow instability. No case of radiocapitellar overstuffing was seen. However</div> <div>, one case was associated with lateral epicondylitis which is a relatively rare non-documented complication.</div> <div>Conclusion: We conclude that radial head arthroplasty is a good treatment option for irreparable type III radial head fractures, with cases</div> <div>operated earlier showing better results. It restores elbow kinematics and stability with good functional outcome, provided care has been</div> <div>taken to avoid overstuffing of the joint. Early mobilisation of elbow is important to restore elbow motion and function.</div>