Excision of the radial head for closed fracture

Two-thirds of 12 patients reviewed at least 13 years after excision of the radial head for closed fracture had a good or fair result; poor results followed a delay of more than 6 weeks before operation. Less than half the patients admitted to significant elbow symptoms, although all but one had radiographic degenerative changes. All the patients except one had measurable radiographic inferior radio-ulnar subluxation, which averaged 2.3 mm, but this gave symptoms in only one case. The majority of patients can expect an acceptable clinical result from this procedure provided that certain conditions are met.