Radial head prosthesis disassembly: case report and medico-legal implications

The aim of the treatment of radial head comminuted fractures is the restoration of anatomical normalcy to avoid the risk of several complications such as joint instability. Among the options for the treatment of such fractures, it is worth mentioning osteosynthesis, resection of the radial head or prosthetic replacement. In the presence of comminution or severe dislocation of the fracture's fragments, as in our patient's type III Mason fracture, prosthesis implantation is the treatment of choice.

This clinical case reports a 22-year-old volleyball player, who during training suffered a comminuted fracture of the radial head, type III according to Mason's classification. A prosthesis was implanted. The post-operative course took place regularly. However, approximately three months after surgery, the patient experienced sudden pain and functional limitation following a normal elbow extension movement, so much so that he required medical attention in our emergency room. Following all the appropriate clinical-instrumental tests, a complete dissociation of the bipolar prosthesis of the radial head was found.

Our clinical case shows the disassembly of a bipolar radial head prosthesis, a rather rare complication. From a medicolegal perspective, the patients should be aware of the increased risk of requiring further surgery after radial head replacement. When patients are thoroughly informed, they can cooperate and comply with indications more effectively, thus taking an active role in recovery management.