ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Few clinical studies have compared the operative outcomes between loose- and press-fit stems in radial head arthroplasty (RHA). We aimed to evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of the two radial head implant concepts. METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, 32 patients (24 women and 8 men) with a mean age of 63.1 years who underwent RHA for comminuted radial head fractures were reviewed between 2005 and 2021. Seventeen patients underwent RHA with a loose-fit stem (L-group), whereas the remaining fifteen patients underwent RHA with a press-fit stem (P-group). The mean follow-up period was 40.1 ± 9.9 months, with the minimum follow-up duration of 12 months. The radiographic findings were evaluated for periprosthetic osteolysis; furthermore, clinical outcomes were analyzed to measure the range of motion of the elbow. The rate of reoperations and prosthesis removal were also reviewed. RESULTS: The general characteristics of the patients were similar in the two groups. The rate of periprosthetic osteolysis was 17.6% in the L-group, whereas it was 53.3% in the P-group. The mean elbow flexions were 128° and 133° in the L- and P-groups, respectively. The mean elbow extensions were -12° and -9° in the L- and P-groups, respectively. The rate of reoperation was 23.5% in the L-group and 15.2% in the P-group. One patient in the L-group had the prosthesis removed because of surgical site infection, whereas one patient in the P-group had the prosthesis removed owing to painful loosening. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in the clinical outcomes and reoperation rate were observed between the two radial head implant concepts in this study. However, osteolysis occurred more frequently in the P-group. Although patients with periprosthetic osteolysis are currently asymptomatic, they should be carefully followed up for the symptoms in the long term.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We report short-term results of radial head prosthesis using a unipolar loose fit stem in ten patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with Mason type three radial head fracture, who received unipolar radial head arthroplasty from February 2010 to June 2011, were evaluated (mean follow-up: 22 months, range: 18-30 months). Subjects consisted of five men and five women. Range of elbow motion was measured. Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) score was used for functional evaluation and periodic radiological imaging was performed to evaluate the stability of implant. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 22 months, elbow stability was maintained in all cases, and the average range of motion of elbow flexion and extension was 6 to 130 degrees. Average range of pronation and supination was 66 and 74 degrees, respectively. MEPI score was evaluated as excellent in seven cases, and good in three cases. On final follow-up, radiological assessment showed implant stability in all cases without evidence of dislocation, subluxation, arthritis, periprosthetic osteolysis or heterotopic ossification. CONCLUSION: Based on our short-term follow-up, radial head arthroplasty with unipolar loose fit stem is a useful method for obtaining satisfactory outcome for unreducible comminuted radial head fractures.
