Loose-fitting radial head prosthesis replacement for treatment of comminuted fracture of the radial head

BACKGROUND: We investigated the curative effects of using loose-fitting radial head prosthesis replacement to treat unstable comminuted fracture of radial head. METHODS: From January 2010 to August 2012, radial head prosthesis replacement was used to treat eight cases of Mason's type III or IV radial head fractures. Three cases were in left side and 5 cases were in right side. Using the Mason criteria. 6 cases were classified as type III and 2 cases as type IV. All patients had fresh fractures. Operations were scheduled after swelling was subsided and we monitored all cases for 12 to 20 months. RESULTS: According to the Mayo evaluation criteria, we had excellent results in 5 cases, and good results in 3 cases. No infection, no heterotopic ossification, and no nerve injuries were observed in these cases. No symptoms of nerve injury were detected. Flexion and extension of elbow joint was from 20 degrees to 100 degrees (average=70.6 degrees). Forearm pronation was from 0 degrees to 70 degrees (average=53.8 degrees); supination was from 0 degrees to 60 degrees (average=35 degrees). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that treatment of comminuted radial head fractures with loose-fitting radial head prosthesis replacement produced satisfactory results.