Comminuted radial head fractures. Evaluation of the bipolar radial head prothesis of Judet [Radiusköpfchentrümmerfrakturen. Erste erfahrungen mit der radiusköpfchenprothese von Judet]

Purpose of the study. Comminuted fractures of the radial head represent a particular therapeutic problem. Due to characteristic complications the resection as well as the implantation of the Swanson-prothesis could not convince. Material and methods. We applied the radial head prothesis of Judet in 16 cases (14 type IV and 4 type III by Mason). Results. At the moment we survey the follow up of 15 patients after 12 to 45 months (average 18,2), the evaluation was performed using the score of Radin and Riseborough and the score of Morrey. With the score of Radin and Riseborough we found in 7 cases good, in 6 case fair and in 2 case poor results. With the score of Morrey we found 2 excellent, 11 good and 1 fair and poor results. The radiological examination did not show an increase of the carrying angle of the elbow, an osteoporosis, a proximal migration of the radius and a distal radio-ulnar dissociation. Conclusion. Compared with resection or Swanson-prothesis the bipolar prothesis of Judet has definite advantages.