[Radius head resection as a reconstructive measure of the elbow joint]

The authors followed up 55 patients to check on the clinical manifestations prevailing ten years after resection of the head of the radius with particular reference to the pattern presented in the radiocarpal joint. Particular attention was paid to functional and roentgenological changes in the regions of the elbow and wrist. Overall results were unsatisfactory, although a clear improvement in function could be seen in old fractures of the head of the radius, although the function did not improve beyond that achieved by primary resection of the head. No convincing improvement was obtained in old dislocations of the radial head (most of them being accompanied by additional injuries) by a resection of the head of the radius. With the progress of time after the operation, the overall result deteriorated, depending on the likewise slowly progressing proximal dislocation of the radius and hence negative influence exercised on the biomechanics in the distal radioulnar or wrist joint. On the basis of these results it is recommended to attempt radial head preserving treatment as the initial measure in fractures of the head of the radius, i.e. to promote osteosynthesis as far as ever possible.