Study of role of prosthetic replacement for comminuted fracture of head of radius

Abstract

Objective: We had evaluated our experience in the treatment of Morrey Modified Masons type III and IV radial head fractures with radial head prosthesis. Materials and Methods: From April 2011 to September 2014, modular radial head prostheses were performed in thirty patients. There were twenty female and ten male with mean age of forty years. The follow-up was a mean of 25 months. Fractures of the radial head have been classified by Morrey Modified Masons classification. The indications for a radial head replacement were type III fractures in 24 cases, type IV fractures in 6 cases, and comminuted radial fracture associated with disruption of the medial collateral ligament in 3 cases. Patients were assessed postoperatively and on follow-up based on Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) Score. Results: By using the MEPI, out of thirty cases, twenty cases had excellent results, seven cases had good results, two cases had fair results, and one case had poor result. Twenty-eight cases had no complications, one case had infection, and one case had implant failure. Conclusion: Modular radial head prosthesis can be used successfully for treatment of the Morrey Modified Masons type III and IV radial head fractures.

Keywords

• Comminuted radial head fractures
• radial head arthroplasty
• radial head prosthesis