[Late results of radius head resection]

The results after excision of the radial head were good and fair in every case. In our 15 re-examined patients we saw no poor results. Indications for excision were comminuted fractures and fractures of the radial neck without possibility of reduction. Two patients had subluxations of the distal radio-ulnar joint. The subluxations were no more than three millimeters of proximal displacement of the radius after injury. At follow-up the subluxations were no more than 5 millimeters. There was no correlation between the degree of subluxation and the presence of symptoms. Valgus deformity we saw in 12 of 15 cases at follow-up, but the patients had no limitations of motion, no instable elbow and no pain. Prosthesis implantation is not necessary at present because there are no poor end results after only excision.