Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Head Implants for the Neuroimaging of Awake, Head-Fixed Rats
Published on: September 7, 2022
Contact Mechanics of Anatomic Radial Head Prosthesis: Comparison Between Native Radial Head and Anatomic Radial Head
Yucheng Sun1, Hanpyo Hong1, Arnold Adikrishna1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, ASAN Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea.
Purpose:
The biomechanical characteristics of anatomic radial head prostheses have not been completely investigated. We compared and analyzed the contact kinematic characteristics of the native radial head and radial head prostheses replicating the native head contour, using a real-time flexion simulation model.
Methods:
Ten fresh-frozen cadavers were used in this pilot study. A simulating dynamic motion mode from 0° to 130° of elbow flexion was applied. Radiocapitellar contact pressure and area were measured using a real-time digitized pressure sensor. Further, contact area and pressure curves were obtained during flexion, using a motion-tracking device.
Results:
The mean contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure of the native radial head and radial head prosthesis were 39 mm2, 0.0078 kgf/mm2, 0.0123 kgf/mm2, and 33 mm2, 0.0093 kgf/dm2, 0.0148 kgf/mm2, respectively. The contact area and pressure curves were parabolic nonlinear for the radial head prosthesis and more linear for the native radial head.
Conclusions:
The radial head prosthesis mimics the mechanics of the native radial head in terms of mean contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure; however, different patterns of contact pressure and area curves during elbow flexion-extension were observed.
Clinical Relevance:
We found that the biomechanics of the anatomic radial head prostheses used in the study were similar to those of the native radial head.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Radial System Protection
In a radial system with a fault downstream of the third breaker, ideally, only the third breaker will open, isolating the fault and interrupting the load connected beyond it. The second breaker has a longer delay setting,...
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
01:19Muscles that Move the Head
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...