Is radial head resection after trauma still considered up to date?

Background. The resection of the radial head was previously the only therapy option for radial head fractures. Today, modern prosthetics present further alternatives for treatment. The following paper deals with answering the question of whether there are still instances in which resection is justifiable. Materials and methods. The patient collective consisted of 44 patients: 28 received a radial head prosthetic implant, 9 a radial head resection, and 7 a partial radial head resection. The average follow up time was 29 months. Altogether, 13 Mason III and 31 Mason IV fractures were treated. Results. The mean Morrey Score after implantation of a radial head prosthetic device was 79 points (83; 47-98); for radial head re-sections 79 points (74; 56-95), and for the partial resection of the head 74 points (72; 48-93). Conclusion. The resection of the radial head after fracture can yield good outcome in the short-term in a stable joint. If there is a ligamentous instability, the implantation of a radial head prosthetic device is recommended. It stabilizes the radial axis and reconstructs joint geometry, allowing for early functional use. Because of intensified pain and movement restriction partial resection of the radial head is not recommended.