Radial head arthroplasty Indication and surgical technique for implantation of radial head prostheses

Fractures of the radial head are a common upper extremity injury and are primarily caused by a fall on the outstretched arm. In addition to swelling with possible accompanying intra-articular effusion and tenderness over the radial head, the injury is characterized by restricted movement in the elbow. The degree of injury is classified according to Mason. Minor displaced fractures can be treated non-operatively or osteosynthetically. Treatment with a radial head arthroplasty is reserved for fractures that can no longer be reconstructed osteosynthetically. There are now various arthroplasty designs (modular, unipolar or bipolar, anatomical or non-anatomical head), the advantages and disadvantages of which must be weighed up individually. Early postoperative treatment is carried out without restriction of mobility and with the arm unloaded for 6 weeks. The literature published to date has described very good long-term clinical and functional results with a high level of patient satisfaction. Possible complications, some of which necessitate revision surgery, include postoperative stiffness, arthroplasty loosening or dislocation, periprosthetic fracture and infection.