Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
43.3K
Radial head replacement - A comprehensive review
1Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shoulder & Elbow Unit, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Herries Road, Sheffield, NG5 7AU, United Kingdom.
Journal of Orthopaedics
|January 12, 2023
Summary
Radial head replacement (RHR) is a viable treatment for unreconstructible fractures, offering good functional recovery. Ongoing innovation in RHR designs is crucial to minimize long-term complications and enhance patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Traumatology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Radial head fractures constitute 1-4% of adult fractures and one-third of elbow fractures.
- The radial head is a critical secondary stabilizer of the elbow joint.
- Treatment aims to restore elbow stability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history, evolution, and current evidence regarding radial head replacement (RHR).
- To analyze anatomical, biomechanical, and implant design factors influencing RHR outcomes.
- To discuss indications, surgical results, and controversies associated with RHR.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of radial head replacement.
- Analysis of anatomical and biomechanical principles.
- Evaluation of various implant designs and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- A wide array of radial head replacement (RHR) designs exist, with no single design demonstrating clear superiority.
- Functional outcomes, range of motion, and complication rates were similar across different RHR designs.
- Many studies report a high incidence of complications associated with radial head replacement.
Conclusions:
- Radial head replacement (RHR) is a valuable option for unreconstructible radial head fractures, potentially restoring excellent function.
- Continued research and development of innovative RHR designs are necessary to mitigate long-term complications.
- Improving implant designs is essential for better patient outcomes in radial head fracture treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
2.3K
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
2.3K
Assessment of radial pulse
913
Assessment 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:
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:
913
Assessment of apical radial pulse
829
Apical-Radial (A-R) Pulse Assessment
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
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
829

