[GUEPAR radial head prosthesis for recent and old fractures: a series of 22 cases]

We reviewed retrospectively outcome in 22 patients with recent or old fractures of the radial head treated with a GUEPAR radial head prosthesis. This prosthesis, derived from the GUEPAR sliding total elbow prosthesis, has a cemented mobile metal cup.

Eighteen patients underwent emergency surgery, four deferred surgery. Mean age at surgery was 41 years and mean follow-up was 18 months. The Mayo Clinic score was calculated to assess clinical outcome. Static and dynamic x-rays of the elbows and wrists were analyzed. All of the fractures were total or displaced head fractures and 72% involved elbow dislocation. The coronoid process was fixed in one patient, the olecranon in one and the medial ligaments were repaired in 5. The quality of the cartilage of the humeral condyle was checked before insertion of the prosthesis. Proper position and height of the prosthesis were carefully controlled.

There were no complications. Outcome was good in the patients who underwent emergency surgery with a mean Mayo Clinic score of 83/100, mean force 75%, good joint motion (77 degrees pronation, 79 degrees supination), stable elbow, and no wrist problems. Outcome was not as good in patients who underwent deferred implantation, particularly for joint motion (pronation 44 degrees, supination 54 degrees ). The distal radio-ulnar ratio was not perfectly restored. Finally 4 patients required arthrolysis for limited flexion/extension, proportionally more among the deferred patients.

Resection of the radial head is an alternative in case of complex fractures. There are two drawbacks. The first is an unstable elbow in valgus if the medial ligaments are damaged. The second is an ascension of the radius if the interosseous membrane is damaged. Osteosynthesis is another alternative which is difficult to achieve and does not give good results (in our experience in comparison with 20 equivalent fractures, and in the literature). The GUEPAR radial head prosthesis appears to be a good solution. It stabilizes the elbow, prevents ascension of the radius, allows early rehabilitation, and provides good subjective results, particularly after emergency surgery.