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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Pathologic Periprosthetic Fracture After Radial Head Arthroplasty: A Report of 2 Cases
Yagiz Ozdag1, Brian Foster, Louis C Grandizio
1Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Danville, Pennsylvania.
Case:
We present 2 cases of pathologic periprosthetic radius fractures in the setting of osteolysis after radial head arthroplasty (RHA) with a porous-coated, press-fit implant. Both patients were managed with implant removal without subsequent instability. Although radiographic lucencies are common after RHA, progressive bone resorption can result in subsequent periprosthetic fractures.
Conclusion:
Although osteolysis after RHA is not always clinically significant, these cases demonstrate that this radiographic finding may indicate adverse clinical consequences. Surgeons who perform implant excision should be ready to address further instability as needed.
Level Of Evidence:
Level V, case reports.
