Are Radiographic Abnormalities in Radial Head Prosthesis as Asymptomatic as we thought? A Mini-Review

Fuentes AMM1*, Rueda LRM1 , Pascua LRR1,2 and Lopez DC1,2

Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, University Hospital ?Doce de Octubre?, Spain 2 Department of Surgery, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

^*Correspondance to: Ana Maria Martin Fuentes 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3202

Abstract

Radial head fractures are the most common fractures around the elbow. A radial head arthroplasty is recommended if a radial head fracture occurs in conjunction with elbow or forearm instability and the radial head fracture is not repairable, and in cases of chronic complications after a radial head injury. Current radial head prosthesis designs may be either monopolar or bipolar and may have fixed or smooth stems. Radiographic abnormalities associated with radial head implants are common to both press-fit and loose-fitting stems, such as radiolucencies surrounding the stem of the implant, heterotopic ossification, secondary-radiocapitellar joint osteoarthritis, loosening, fracture, and implant dislocation. Whereas many complications related to RHA seem to have little clinical consequence, those that result in significant pain, stiffness or instability often end in revision surgery. In this review, we briefly summarize the complications and clinical outcomes after a radial head replacement.

Keywords

Radial head fracture; Prosthesis; Revision; Complication; Failure

Cite the article

Fuentes AMM, Rueda LRM, Pascua LRR, López DC. Are Radiographic Abnormalities in Radial Head Prosthesis as Asymptomatic as we thought? A Mini-Review. Clin Surg. 2021; 6: 3202.