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RADIAL head arthroplasty: does ligaments repair influence outcomes? A minimum two years follow-up radiographic
C Galavotti1, S Padovani2, A Nosenzo3
1Ortopedia e Traumatologia POC, ASST Cremona, Viale Concordia 1, 26100, Cremona, Cremona, Italy. galavotticristina@gmail.com.
Summary
Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) with ligament repair showed a lower revision rate, particularly for the annular ligament, though overall differences were not statistically significant. Ligament repair may help prevent midterm degenerative changes after RHA.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Comminuted radial head fractures often necessitate radial head arthroplasty (RHA).
- The efficacy of combining RHA with ligament repair requires further investigation for improved patient outcomes.
- Assessing radiographic degenerative changes post-RHA is crucial for long-term joint health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare revision rates and radiographic degenerative changes between RHA with ligament repair versus RHA alone.
- To identify trends in radial head arthroplasty implant performance.
- To evaluate the impact of associated ligamentous procedures on RHA outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 124 patients undergoing RHA between 2012-2017.
- Data collection included prosthesis type, associated procedures, and revision surgery.
- Radiographic analysis focused on loosening, overstuffing, osteopenia, heterotopic ossification, and degenerative changes.
Main Results:
- No significant statistical difference in revision or degenerative changes between groups.
- Patients with ligament repair, especially annular ligament suture, exhibited a lower revision rate.
- The overall RHA revision rate was 10.5%.
Conclusions:
- Ligament repair does not significantly enhance RHA longevity, with the exception of the annular ligament.
- Associated ligament repair may mitigate midterm degenerative changes following RHA.
- The annular ligament's integrity appears critical in RHA outcomes.