Mid- to long-term results after bipolar radial head arthroplasty

Background: Radial head arthloplasty is considered the treatment of choice for unreconstructable radial head fractures in the acute fracture situation Although short-term results in the current literature are promising, replacement of the radial head remains controversial as long-term results are still missing We report our 8 8-year results after treatment with a bipolar radial head prosthesis by Judet Materials and methods: In our department. 19 patients were treated with bipolar radial head arthroplasty between 1997 and 2001 Seventeen of these patienis-14 men and 3 women were examined retrospectively after 106 months (range, 78-139). Of these, 9 patients were treated primarily, 7 patients secondarily, and 1 because of a tumor Results: On the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 6 patients achieved excellent results, 10 good. and one fair The mean DASH score was 9 8 (range, 0-34) No differences were seen between primary and secondary implantation Flexion averaged 124 degrees (range, 110-150 degrees), the extension deficit was 21 degrees (range, 0-4 degrees), pronation 64 degrees (range. 30-90 degrees). and supmation 64 degrees (range. 30-90 degrees) The following complications were seen 2 dislocations and 8 cases of degenerative changes of the capitellum. 1 with severe erosion Signs of ulnohumeral arthrosis were found in 12 patients. No evidence of loosening. radiolucencies, or proximal bone resorption was detected. Conclusion: Despite major primary complications and high incidence of radiographic signs of degenerative chances after 8 8 years, mainly good clinical results were achieved with Judet's bipolar prosthesis Level of evidence: Level IV. Case Series, Treatment Study C) 2010 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.