Radial head replacement with a bipolar system: an average 10-year follow-up

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Traumatology

Background:

• Radial head fractures are common injuries often requiring surgical intervention.
• Bipolar radial head prostheses with cementless stems offer a treatment option for these fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of bipolar radial head replacement using a smooth cementless stem.
• To assess implant survival and functional recovery in patients with comminuted radial head fractures.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 16 patients from a previous study were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 10.4 years.
• Clinical and radiographic assessments included range of motion, stability, and evaluation of loosening and degeneration.
• Standardized outcome measures like the Visual Analog Scale and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand were used.

Main Results:

• Excellent implant survival rate of 97% was observed with no reoperations since the prior report.
• Patients reported low pain (median VAS 1) and good functional scores (median MEPI 93).
• While some reduction in range of motion and grip strength was noted, no patients experienced elbow instability, and only 2 developed arthritic changes.

Conclusions:

• Bipolar radial head prostheses with smooth cementless stems provide effective long-term stability and function for comminuted radial head fractures.
• The study highlights the excellent long-term implant survival and functional restoration achieved with this implant design.