A comparative study of outcome of radial head fracture treated with radial head replacement and radial head excision alone

Abstract

: Radial head fractures are the most common fractures of the elbow with an estimated incidence of 2.5 to 2.9/10,000 people/ year. The incidence of radial head fractures is reported to be between 1.7 to 5.4 percent of all fractures. : This study aims to assess the clinical outcome of excision arthroplasty and prosthesis replacement in treatment of comminuted radial head fractures. : Patients with radial head fracture presenting to orthopaedics department and emergency room were included for the study. Excision arthroplasty was performed in 25 patients and replacement arthroplasty was performed in 25 patients. The functional outcome of both the procedure were compared using DASH, MEPS and Broberg and morrey scoring system. : Based on the DASH score Replacement group showed good improvement at the end of the 6 month follow-up with the mean score of 15.9 (P=0.042). Based on the MEPS score the mean MEPS score showed replacement group had a good improvement at the end of 6 month follow-up with the mean score of 15.9 (P=0.042). : From this study we concluded, radial head replacement is a reasonable option for unreconstructable radial head fractures. Radial head replacement can achieve effective radiocapitellar contact that will improve the stability in valgus, posterolateral, and axial loading of the forearm. This treatment option has satisfactory short- and mid-term results even with other combined elbow injuries.