Resection arthroplasty for Mason type III radial head fractures yield good clinical but poor radiological results in the long term

Clinical outcomes after internal fixation, arthroplasty and resection for treatment of comminuted radial head fractures: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Radial head fractures make up approximately 3% of all fractures, and they are the most common elbow fracture in adults. The treatment for comminuted radial head fracture remains controversial. This systematic review was conducted with the aim to compare postoperative outcomes among surgical treatments to identify which method is the best for comminuted radial head fractures.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified from Medline and Scopus from inception to February 22, 2020, that reported Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score and postoperative complications of either treatment. A network meta-analysis was applied to assess treatment outcomes. Probability of being the best treatment was estimated using surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA).

RESULTS

Twelve comparative studies and one randomized controlled trial (N = 526 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (N = 210 patient), radial head arthroplasty (RHA) (N = 227 patients) and radial head resection (RHR) (N = 152 patients). A network meta-analysis showed that the MEPI of RHA was significantly higher when compared to ORIF and RHR, with a pooled mean MEPI of 7.28 (1.69, 12.86) and - 7.32 (- 13.21, - 1.43), respectively. In terms of complications, RHA and RHR had lower risk with RRs of 0.61 (0.29, 1.31) and 0.54 (0.24, 1.25) when compared to ORIF. The SUCRA probabilities of RHA and RHR were in the first rank with 99.2% in MEPI and 60.6% in complications, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that RHA is the best treatment of choice for efficacy and safety in the treatment of comminuted radial head fracture, while RHR is the safest choice to minimize postoperative complications and enable patients to perform all daily life activities.

Indications and outcomes of radial head excision: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Radial head excision has historically been a common surgical procedure for the operative management of radial head fractures and post-traumatic conditions. With recent advances in other surgical techniques, controversy exists regarding its indications. This review evaluates the indications and outcomes of radial head excision in traumatic and non-traumatic elbow pathology.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched for studies involving radial head excision. Screening and data abstraction were conducted in duplicate. Only studies reporting outcomes for radial head excision were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies with 774 radial head excision patients were included. The most common indications involved acute excision of comminuted radial head fractures (n = 347) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 201). Post-operative functional scores after acute excision were reported to be good to excellent. In the chronic setting of rheumatoid disease, radial head excision resulted in improved range of motion, although pain was not effectively relieved.

DISCUSSION

Outcomes of radial head excision for acute fracture are good to excellent; however, it should not be performed when concurrent or ligamentous injuries are present. Although some studies compared excision to open reduction and internal fixation or replacement, more data are needed to make proper conclusions. The strength of these conclusions is limited by the quality of included literature.

Open reduction and internal fixation for Mason type III radial head fractures: Is it different from that for Mason type II fractures?

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the outcomes of Mason type III radial head fractures (RHFs) treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were comparable to those of Mason type II RHFs treated by ORIF.

METHODS

A total of 87 surgically treated RHF patients were reviewed. Their fractures were Mason type II in 39 patients (all treated by ORIF) and Mason type III in 48 patients (40 treated by ORIF, 7 by radial head arthroplasty, and 1 by resection). Although ORIF was preferred for Mason type III RHFs in our series, an arthroplasty was performed when the fracture accompanied severe associated injuries or multiple traumas. Radiological and functional outcomes were evaluated and complications were reviewed.

RESULTS

When Mason type II and Mason type III in general were compared, QuickDASH score, a shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and forearm rotation were significantly worse in Mason type III. However, when comparing Mason type II and Mason type III treated by ORIF in which the proportion of associated injuries were not significantly different, there was no significant difference in QuickDASH score, range of extension/flexion, or complication rate. Forearm rotations were significantly more limited in Mason type III treated by ORIF (7° for pronation and 7° for supination), and Mason type had an independent effect on forearm rotations in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

ORIF for Mason type III fractures with low level of associated injury can be as good as that for Mason type II fractures, except for less forearm rotation.

Complications after radial head arthroplasty: a comparison between short-stemmed bipolar and monopolar long-stemmed osteointegrative rigidly fixed prostheses

INTRODUCTION

To date, only a few studies have compared radial head prostheses (RHP) and their different anchoring principles. The aim of this study was to characterize concomitant injuries, necessary adjuvant procedures, complications, and radiological findings after implantation of two different types of RHP.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients with radial head fractures were treated with MoPyC (Tornier/France, 50 mm stem, monopolar) or SBI rHead prostheses (Small Bone Innovations/USA, 22-mm stem, bipolar) and followed up over 42 months (16-64 months). Primary objective was the detection of different loosening and explantation rates. In addition to the revision rate and the reasons for revision, we also used radiological findings to assess the dynamics of lysis phenomena.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (mean age 48 years; 22-73 years) were treated with the MoPyC, and 31 patients (mean age 47 years, 19-69 years) with the rHead prosthesis. Of these, 98% had a Mason 3 or 4 type of radial head fracture, and 94% showed concomitant injuries, which were addressed in 89% of cases by adjuvant procedures. The surgical revision rate was 20% (rHead 23%; MoPyC 18%). Significantly more of the rHead prostheses had to be explanted compared to MoPyC prostheses because of painful loosening (16% vs. 3%; p = 0.029). Predictors of subsequent loosening were significant radiolucent lines in the RHP over the first six months and an increase in width by two and a half times within the first 50 days after implantation.

CONCLUSION

Complex radial head fractures are frequent and difficult to treat. The monopolar long-stemmed prosthesis showed significantly lower rates of painful loosening and explanation rates than the bipolar short-stemmed prosthesis.

Radial Head Resection versus Arthroplasty in Unrepairable Comminuted Fractures Mason Type III and Type IV: A Systematic Review

Unrepairable comminuted fractures of the radial head Mason type III or type IV have poor outcomes when treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Radial head resection has been proposed as good option for surgical treatment, while in the last decades, the development of technology and design in radial head prosthesis has increased efficacy in prosthetic replacement. The present review was conducted to determine the best surgical treatment for comminuted radial head when ORIF is not possible. Better outcomes are reported for radial head arthroplasty in terms of elbow stability, range of motion, pain, and fewer complications compared to radial head excision. Nevertheless, radial head resection still can be considered an option of treatment in isolated radial head fractures with no associated ligament injuries lesion of ligaments or in case of older patients with low demanding function.

The minimum follow-up required for radial head arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

AIMS

The primary aim of this study was to define the standard minimum follow-up required to produce a reliable estimate of the rate of re-operation after radial head arthroplasty (RHA). The secondary objective was to define the leading reasons for re-operation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four electronic databases, between January 2000 and March 2017 were searched. Articles reporting reasons for re-operation (Group I) and results (Group II) after RHA were included. In Group I, a meta-analysis was performed to obtain the standard minimum follow-up, the mean time to re-operation and the reason for failure. In Group II, the minimum follow-up for each study was compared with the standard minimum follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were analysed: three were Group I and included 80 implants and 37 were Group II and included 1192 implants. In Group I, the mean time to re-operation was 1.37 years (0 to 11.25), the standard minimum follow-up was 3.25 years; painful loosening was the main indication for re-operation. In Group II, 33 Group II articles (89.2%) reported a minimum follow-up of < 3.25 years.

CONCLUSION

The literature does not provide a reliable estimate of the rate of re-operation after RHA. The reproducibility of results would be improved by using a minimum follow-up of three years combined with a consensus of the definition of the reasons for failure after RHA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1561-70.

Functional Outcome of Resection versus Reconstruction in Mason II-III Radial Head Fractures; A Short-Term Prospective Study

Objective

To compare the short-term functional outcome between resection and reconstruction in Mason Type II and Type III radial head fractures using Broberg and Morrey score.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of SMS Medical College and attached Hospitals. A total of 29 patients (15 in resection group, 14 in reconstruction group) between the age group of 20-60 years with Mason Type II and Type III fresh closed radial head fractures were included in the study. The functional outcome including the range of motion, extension lag and Broberg Morrey score were determined and compared between two groups.

Results

The mean age of resection group was 44.5 ± 6.6 years and mean age of reconstruction group was 37.1 ± 6.2 years. The baseline characteristics . At 12-months follow-up, in Mason type II fracture, radial head reconstruction group with mean extension lag of 9.4 ± 4.1 and mean Broberg Morrey score of 94.9 ± 5.1 showed better results compared to radial head resection group with mean extension lag of 15.7 ± 4.1 (p=0.022) and mean Broberg Morrey score 88.3 ± 5.1 (p=0.045) respectively. In Mason type III fractures, radial head resection with mean supination of 79.4 ± 4.7, mean pronation of 74.4 ± 4.1 and mean Broberg Morrey score of 89.8 ± 6 showed better results when compared with radial head reconstruction group with mean supination of 64.2 ± 4 (p<0.001), mean pronation of 59.2 ± 8.4 (p=0.003) and mean Broberg Morrey score of 81.9 ± 5 (p=0.031).

Conclusion

The procedure suggested in Mason type II, is reconstruction of radial head. In Mason type III due to difficulty in achieving anatomical reduction results were not good with reconstruction when compared with resection. We recommend radial head excision in Mason type III fractures where anatomical and stable fixation is not possible.

Functional Outcome of Resection versus Reconstruction in Mason II-III Radial Head Fractures; A Short-Term Prospective Study

Objective

To compare the short-term functional outcome between resection and reconstruction in Mason Type II and Type III radial head fractures using Broberg and Morrey score.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of SMS Medical College and attached Hospitals. A total of 29 patients (15 in resection group, 14 in reconstruction group) between the age group of 20-60 years with Mason Type II and Type III fresh closed radial head fractures were included in the study. The functional outcome including the range of motion, extension lag and Broberg Morrey score were determined and compared between two groups.

Results

The mean age of resection group was 44.5 ± 6.6 years and mean age of reconstruction group was 37.1 ± 6.2 years. The baseline characteristics . At 12-months follow-up, in Mason type II fracture, radial head reconstruction group with mean extension lag of 9.4 ± 4.1 and mean Broberg Morrey score of 94.9 ± 5.1 showed better results compared to radial head resection group with mean extension lag of 15.7 ± 4.1 (p=0.022) and mean Broberg Morrey score 88.3 ± 5.1 (p=0.045) respectively. In Mason type III fractures, radial head resection with mean supination of 79.4 ± 4.7, mean pronation of 74.4 ± 4.1 and mean Broberg Morrey score of 89.8 ± 6 showed better results when compared with radial head reconstruction group with mean supination of 64.2 ± 4 (p<0.001), mean pronation of 59.2 ± 8.4 (p=0.003) and mean Broberg Morrey score of 81.9 ± 5 (p=0.031).

Conclusion

The procedure suggested in Mason type II, is reconstruction of radial head. In Mason type III due to difficulty in achieving anatomical reduction results were not good with reconstruction when compared with resection. We recommend radial head excision in Mason type III fractures where anatomical and stable fixation is not possible.

Radial shortening osteotomy reduces radiocapitellar contact pressures while preserving valgus stability of the elbow

PURPOSE

Shortening osteotomy of the proximal radius might represent a potential salvage procedure in symptomatic radiocapitellar osteoarthritis, which could decrease radiocapitellar load while preserving the native radial head. In an in-vitro biomechanical investigation, we sought to determine whether shortening osteotomy of the proximal radius (1) decreases the radiocapitellar joint pressure upon axial loading and (2) retains valgus stability of the elbow. In addition, the anatomic configuration of the lesser sigmoid notch was evaluated to assess possible contraindications.

METHODS

Axial loading (0-400 N) and valgus torque (7.5 N m) over the full range of motion were applied to 14 fresh-frozen specimens before and after shortening osteotomy of the proximal radius by 2.5 mm. Radiocapitellar and ulnohumeral load distribution during axial compression was evaluated using a digital pressure mapping sensor. Valgus displacement was analyzed with a 3D camera system. The inclination angle (α) of the lesser sigmoid notch was assessed via 50 CT scans.

RESULTS

Up to axial loading of 250 N, shortening osteotomy caused a significant decrease in radiocapitellar contact pressures (p < 0.041). Valgus stability of specimens did not differ before and after shortening osteotomy (n.s.). The mean inclination angle (α) of the lesser sigmoid notch was 11.3° ± 6.3°. 46% had an inclination angle of ≤ 10° (type I). 46% had an inclination angle of 11°-20° (type II). In 8%, the inclination angle was >20° (type III).

CONCLUSION

Shortening osteotomy of the proximal radius can decrease radiocapitellar contact pressures during axial loading of up to 250 N. Primary valgus stability is not relevantly influenced by this procedure. In few patients, shortening osteotomy may cause radioulnar impingement of the radial head at the distal edge of the lesser sigmoid notch due to an inclination angle of >20°. Shortening osteotomy might be a promising treatment option to decrease pain levels in case of isolated radiocapitellar osteoarthritis.

A radial head prosthesis appears to be unnecessary in Mason-IV fracture dislocation

Background and purpose - Previous reports on elbow injuries with concomitant comminute radial head fracture are difficult to interpret, since they include an array of different soft-tissue and bony injuries around the elbow. We focused on Mason-IV fracture dislocations of the elbow and retrospectively reviewed 2 treatment options: radial head resection or replacement with a radial head arthroplasty, both in combination with lateral ligament repair. Patients and methods - In Linköping, 18 consecutive patients with Mason-IV fracture dislocation and with a median age of 56 (19-79) years were treated with a radial head arthroplasty. In Malmö, 14 consecutive patients with a median age of 50 (29-70) years were treated for the same injury with radial head resection. With a follow-up of at least 2 years (Linköping: median 58 months; Malmö: median 108 months), the outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH), range of movement, instability, and plain radiographs. Results - There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding MEPS, DASH, or range of motion. The rate of additional surgery was higher in patients treated with arthroplasty. Ulno-humeral osteoarthritis was more pronounced in the group treated with radial head resection, but the follow-up time was longer in these patients. Functional results and range of motion tally well with previous reports on similar injuries. Interpretation - Functional results did not improve by using a press-fit radial head arthroplasty in Mason-IV fracture dislocation of the elbow. Secondary osteoarthritis after resection of the radial head is a concern, but it did not affect the functional outcome during the follow-up time.

A comparison of the open reduction-internal fixation and resection arthroplasty techniques in treatment of Mason Type 3 radial head fractures

Objective

The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare a series of patients surgically treated with ORIF or early resection arthroplasty due to isolated comminuted radial head fractures.

Methods

Between the years 2009 and 2013, 34 patients with isolated comminuted fractures of the radial head (Mason Type 3) had been operated (ORIF in 19 patients, resection arthroplasty in 15 patients). The mean age of the patients in the ORIF group was 38.5 years and 54 years in the resection group. The carrying angle (CA) and ulnar variance were measured bilaterally, and radiographs were reviewed for degenerative elbow arthritis. The Mayo elbow performance score, Turkish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH-T) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical results.

Results

The mean follow-up period in the ORIF group was 40.2 months and 44.4 months in the resection group. In the ORIF group, 11 patients were clinically rated excellent, six good, and two fair. In the resection group, seven patients had excellent, five had good, and two had fair scores. We did not find a statistically significant difference between the ORIF and resection groups regarding the clinical and radiological outcomes.

Conclusion

With these short-term results, resection arthroplasty may be considered an effective method in the treatment of isolated comminuted radial head fractures, as it is less technically demanding and it also allows for early postoperative motion. However, the patients should be evaluated in detail, regarding ligamentous injuries prior to resection arthroplasty.

Level of evidence

Level III, Therapeutic study.

Management of post-traumatic elbow instability after failed radial head excision: A case report

Radial head excision has always been a safe commonly used surgical procedure with a satisfactory clinical outcome for isolated comminuted radial head fractures. However, diagnosis of elbow instability is still very challenging and often underestimated in routine orthopaedic evaluation. We present the case of a 21-years old female treated with excision after radial head fracture, resulting in elbow instability. The patient underwent revision surgery after four weeks. We believe that ligament reconstruction without radial head substitution is a safe alternative choice for Mason III radial head fractures accompanied by complex ligament lesions.

Comminuted fractures of the radial head: resection or prosthesis?

INTRODUCTION

At present, surgical treatment of comminuted radial head fractures without associated instability continues to be controversial. When anatomical reconstruction is not possible, radial head excision is performed. However, the appearance of long-term complications with this technique, along with the development of new radial head implants situates arthroplasty as a promising surgical alternative. The purpose of the present study was to compare the mid-term functional outcomes of both techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed between 2002 and 2011 on 25 Mason type-III fractures, 11 patients treated with primary radial head resection and 14 who received treatment of the fracture with metal prosthesis. At the end of follow-up, patients were contacted and outcomes evaluated according to: Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and strength measurement. Radiographic assessment (proximal migration of the radius, osteoarthritic changes, and signs of prosthesis loosening) was also performed.

RESULTS

The average age of the sample was 53.7 years in the resection group, and 54.4 years in the replacement group, with a mean follow-up of 60.3 and 42 months respectively. According to the MEPS scale, there were 6 excellent cases, 3 good and 2 acceptable in the resection group, and 6 excellent cases, 3 good, 3 acceptable, and 2 poor in the prosthesis group. The mean DASH score were 13.5, and 24.8 for the resection and the replacement group respectively. We found one postoperative complication in the resection group (stiffness and valgus instability) and 6 in the replacement group: 3 of joint stiffness, 1 case of prosthesis breakage, and 2 neurological injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this is a retrospective study, the high complication rate occurring after radial head replacement in comparison with radial head resection, as well as good functional results obtained with this last technique, leads us to recommend it for comminuted radial head fractures without associated instability.

Failure of a Unipolar Radial Head Prosthesis Due to Component Dissociation

Radial head implant arthroplasty is a consideration for the treatment of comminuted, unreconstructable fractures of the radial head. Many prosthetic designs exist and can be unipolar or bipolar, each of which can be cemented or noncemented. For most unipolar designs, a prosthetic stem is first implanted into the proximal radius. The prosthetic radial head is then impacted onto a morse taper on the stem or secured with a set screw. There is little information published on the mechanisms of failure for radial head implants, regardless of design. The authors found 2 individual case reports that describe component dissociation in bipolar implants. They could find no individual case reports of implant failure due to component dissociation of a unipolar implant related to failure of the set screw. The authors describe such a case 5 years after unipolar radial head implant arthroplasty. The system used employs a set screw to secure the prosthetic head onto the stem. The patient subsequently had a successful outcome after implant removal without reimplantation. Orthopedic surgeons have many options when considering radial head replacement implants and should be aware of the potential complications of each. The authors present this case to show one potential complication of unipolar prosthetic radial head implant arthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e771-e774.].

Prosthesis replacement in Mason III radial head fractures: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of prosthesis replacement (PR) for patients with Mason III radial head fractures (RHF) compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

METHODS

We retrieved the relevant trials up to September 2013 from several public databases, mainly including PubMed, Embase, Springer, Elsevier Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google scholar, CNKI and Wanfang database. Weighted mean difference (WMD) or odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare the clinical outcomes between PR and ORIF.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies including 365 patients with Mason III RHF (169 patients treated with PR and 196 patients treated with ORIF) were reanalyzed in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the patients with Mason III RHF receiving PR, compared with the ORIF ones, had a significantly higher percentage of postoperative excellent and good rate (OR=3.48, 95% CI=1.98 to 6.11, P<0.0001), better Broberg and Morrey elbow scores (WMD=9.79, 95% CI=4.22 to 15.36, P=0.0006) and significantly lower postoperative complications (OR=0.33, 95% CI=0.16 to 0.69, P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the results of this study supported the use of PR in the treatment of Mason III RHF in Chinese population with short-term outcomes, the evidences are of low quality and further studies were required for confirming these results in the longer term on other populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. Low power meta-analysis.