Radial Head Resection and Corium Interposition Arthroplasty in Skeletally Immature Patients With Isolated Posttraumatic Radial Head Arthrosis

Missed Monteggia Injuries in Children and Adolescents: A Treatment Algorithm

Monteggia injuries are rare childhood injuries. In 25-50% of cases, however, they continue to be overlooked, leading to a chronic Monteggia injury. Initially, the chronic Monteggia injury is only characterized by a moderate motion deficit, which is often masked by compensatory movements. Later, however, there is a progressive valgus deformity, neuropathy of the ulnar nerve and a progressive deformity of the radial head ("mushroom deformity") with ultimately painful radiocapitellar arthrosis. In the early stages, when the radial head is not yet deformed and there is no osteoarthritis in the humeroradial joint, these injuries can be treated with reconstruction procedures. This can be achieved either by an osteotomy of the proximal ulna with or without gradual lengthening. If there is already a severe deformity of the radial head and painful osteoarthritis, only rescue procedures such as functional radial head resection or radial head resection with or without hemi-interposition arthroplasty can be used to improve mobility and, above all, to eliminate pain. In this review article, we provide an overview of the current treatment options of chronic Monteggia injury in children and adolescents and present a structured treatment algorithm depending on the chronicity and dysplastic changes.

A salvage procedure: Radial head excision in children and adolescents-short-to-midterm outcomes and overview of the literature

Purpose

Purpose of the study was to report the outcomes after radial head excision in children and adolescents in addition with a review of the current literature.

Methods

We report a series of five children and adolescents, who had undergone a post-traumatic radial head excision. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of elbow/wrist range of motion, stability, deformity and discomforts or restrictions at two follow-up points. Radiographic changes were evaluated.

Results

Patient's age at time of the radial head excision averaged 14.6 (13-16) years. Mean time from the injury to the radial head excision was 3.6 (0-9) years. Follow-up I averaged 4.4 (1-8) years and follow-up II 8.5 (7-10) years. At follow-up I, patients showed an average elbow range of motion of 0-10-120° Ext/Flex and 90-0-80° Pro/Sup. Two patients reported discomfort or pain at the elbow. Four (80%) patients had a symptomatic wrist with pain or crepitation at the distal radio ulnar joint. In three (60%) of them, an ulna plus at the wrist was present. Two patients required ulna shortening and autograft stabilization of the interosseous membrane. At final follow-up, all patients reported full functioning with daily activities. Restrictions were present with sport activities.

Conclusion

Functional results at the elbow joint might be improved and pain syndromes lessen due to the radial head excision. Problems at the wrist are likely secondary to the procedure. A critical analysis of other options should be performed ahead of the procedure and a careless application should be avoided by all means.

Level of evidence

IV.

Autologous replacement of the head of the radius-proximal fibula versus second metatarsal base: an anatomic feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the anatomic feasibility of a new surgical therapy option for radial head arthrosis using an autologous vascularized bone graft of the second metatarsal and proximal fibula to recreate the proximal radiohumeral joint.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Upper and lower extremities of eleven body donors were evaluated using CT prior to anatomic dissection. Several distinct anatomic parameters were measured on the ipsi- and contralateral radial and fibular head and the second metatarsal base: bone diameter, articular surface diameter, head height, metaphyseal (neck) diameter, articular surface radius, total articular surface area, and angulation of the articular surfaces (facet). Each dissection phase was photographed in a standardized fashion and all measurements were repeated by direct caliper-measurements.

RESULTS

When comparing the proximal radius and fibula to search for anatomic similarities, similar values were found in the maximum articular surface diameter and minimum and maximum measures of the neck diameter. Comparing the proximal radius and the second metatarsal, statistically similar values were found in the maximum neck diameter performing direct measurements and CT evaluation, the maximum head diameter in CT evaluation and the articular facet angulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the proximal fibula nor the base of the second metatarsal are ideal bone grafts for replacement of the head of the radius. The base of the second metatarsal might be a bit more suitable as a potential donor since the angulation of the proximal articular facet is similar to that of the radius.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, anatomic study.

Treatment of advanced stage osteochondrosis dissecans in the adolescent elbow using a hyaloronic acid-based scaffold: a case series of 5 patients

INTRODUCTION

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is considered to be one of the main causes for pain, discomfort and morbidity in the pediatric elbow joint. Few treatment options, such as microfracture or autologous transplantation, of osteochondral bone grafts have been described to address advanced OCD. The aim of this retrospective case series is to present preliminary clinical and radiologic findings following advanced stage OCD repair using a novel combination of a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold with autologous iliac crest bone grafting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five adolescents, who underwent treatment of OCD (grade 3 or 4 according to Nelson) using a combination technique of defect debridement, transplantation of cancellous iliac crest bone and application of a HYALOFAST® membrane (Anika Therapeutics S.r.L., Italy), were re-assessed using clinical and radiologic examinations (defect diameter, depth, sclerosis, congruency, fragmentation, dissection, radiolucency, growth plate status; MRI) after a minimum of 2 years (mean, 34 months; range, 24-45) postoperatively. Dedicated outcome scores (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS], Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument [PODCI], Mayo Elbow Performance Score [MEPS], and Timmerman-Andrews Score [TIMM] were collected.

RESULTS

All patients reported a NRS score of 0. The mean total TIMM, MEPS and PODCI (Global Functioning Scale) scores were 189 (range 165-200), 94 (range, 70-100), and 92 (range 83-98; normative score 47; range 35-55), respectively, indicating good to excellent clinical outcomes. The radiographic analysis showed overall improvements with regard to OCD width and depth reduction (35%, - 27-100%; 52%, 4-100%), but full resolution in only 2 of 5 cases. Elbow motion improved slightly after surgery. No complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

This study showed promising clinical short- to mid-term results in adolescent patients with advanced OCD using a novel surgical treatment combination. Radiographic results showed partial healing; hence, residual changes should be monitored over a longer period.