Anatomic Monopolar Press-fit Radial Head Arthroplasty; High Rate of Loosening at Mid-Term Follow Up

IntroductionRadial head arthroplasty (RHA) is used for the management of unstable or unreconstructable injuries of the radial head. Our aim was to investigate clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients treated with the Acumed anatomic radial head press-fit system for trauma.MethodsClinical and radiographic assessment of RHAs undertaken for trauma with minimum 2-year follow-up.Results16 consecutive patients, mean age 53 (21-82) and 66 month +/- 27 (26-122) clinical follow-up were included. There were marked radiographic changes with 11/16 showing periprosthetic lucent lines and 13/16 showing subcollar osteolysis. Radiographic changes occurred early post-surgery. Stem loosening was associated with larger cantilever quotients (0.47 vs 0.38, p = 0.004). Overall survivability was 81.2%, with 3 RHAs removed. Clinical outcomes for the retained RHAs were acceptable with mean flexion 134 degrees, extension deficit of 10 degrees, pronation of 82 degrees, and supination of 73 degrees. Mean VAS scores were 8.5 +/- 14.4, QuickDASH 13.8 +/- 18.9, Mayo Elbow Performance Scores were 91.5 +/- 12.5 with no poor scores.ConclusionMid-term clinical functional outcomes following the Acumed anatomic RHA are acceptable in most cases. However, in view of the extensive periprosthetic lucencies and surgical removal due to loosening, patients should be cautioned when consented for implantation of the prosthesis, especially if a large collar is anticipated.