Options and limits of angle stable plates in the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures

Clinical long-term results of radial head arthroplasty in comminuted radial head fractures

Modern radial head prostheses have recently become more common in the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures. The goal of this study was to evaluate how well the EVOLVE^® modular metallic radial head implant prosthetic restores the functional range of motion and stability of the elbow. 30 patients with comminuted radial head fractures received an arthroplasty with an EVOLVE^® prosthesis in our institution. 20 of those patients were available for long-term follow-up (mean > 10 years). The outcomes were assessed on the basis of pain, motion, and strength. The overall outcome was scored with functional rating scores. According to the Broberg-Morrey elbow evaluation score, after a mean follow-up period of 10.2 years, ten (50.0%) patients were rated as very good, four (20.0%) as good, six (30.0%) as satisfactory, and none as poor. In the long-term results the Broberg-Morrey score increased from 79 (in short-term results) to 89 points. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) outcome measure questionnaire showed an average of 16.2 points. Initially, patients had an extension deficit of 20°, which was reduced to 5° at the latest follow-up. In our long-term results, an improvement in the function of the elbow was observed after arthroplasty using a metallic modular radial head implant. Comminuted radial head fractures with elbow instability can be treated effectively with the EVOLVE^® radial head prosthesis, which restores stability in acute treatment. Our long-term results after 10.2 years demonstrate good functional outcome and low major complication rate. IV.

Evaluation of MoPyC-prosthesis implantation and the use of angular stable plates in the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures

Objective

Comminuted radial head fractures are disproportionately often accompanied by injuries of the bone or ligaments and can be treated in different ways.

Methods

15 patients with a comminuted radial head fracture were treated with an angular stable plate (=G1) and 8 with a MoPyC-prosthesis (=G2).

Results

G1 shows an average Morrey-score of 83,87 points. Complications occurred in 5/15 patients. Within G2 an average Morrey-score of 86 was achieved. Complications could be shown in 2/8 patients.

Conclusion

Both the treatment provides a clear individual benefit for the patients and predict promising results for the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures.

Evaluation of MoPyC-prosthesis implantation and the use of angular stable plates in the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures

Objective

Comminuted radial head fractures are disproportionately often accompanied by injuries of the bone or ligaments and can be treated in different ways.

Methods

15 patients with a comminuted radial head fracture were treated with an angular stable plate (=G1) and 8 with a MoPyC-prosthesis (=G2).

Results

G1 shows an average Morrey-score of 83,87 points. Complications occurred in 5/15 patients. Within G2 an average Morrey-score of 86 was achieved. Complications could be shown in 2/8 patients.

Conclusion

Both the treatment provides a clear individual benefit for the patients and predict promising results for the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures.