Title : Study of functional outcome of radial head fractures treated with primary replacement
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Radial head fractures occur for around 1 -4 percent of all fractures in adults and make upto 20-30% of all elbow fractures. 85% occur between the age group of 30 -60. Fall on an outstretched hand during trauma is the usual culprit in younger people, but osteopenia and osteoporosis make even a little fall dangerous for the elderly. In comminuted and displaced fractures, operative treatment is beneficial.
AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the functional outcome of fractures of the radial head treated with a primary replacement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is prospectively done at SRM medical college and research centre between DECEMBER 2021 to SEPTEMBER 2023. In this study, 21 patients with radial head fractures fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated using Kocher’s approach with a radial head prosthesis and evaluated functionally. In addition, functional outcome was assessed with a mayo and oxford elbow scores.
RESULTS: We had excellent results in 14 (66.7%) patients, and 7 (33.33%) had good results. It was observed that postoperative pain was the major complication. There was a significant improvement in the functional scores and outcomes within 6 months of the postoperative period
CONCLUSION: Radial head replacement with radial head prosthesis has given excellent results and can be the implant of choice for most of radial head fractures. Advantages include reduced risk of malunion, union associated with open reduction and plating, shorter immobilisation times, quicker rehabilitation, and fewer hardware issues with the prosthesis in comminuted fractures
What the Audience will learn:
- Management of radial head fractures
- The efficacy of radial head replacement in cases of radial head fractures due to acute trauma
- Advantages of radial head plasty over radial head excision
- The surgical approach to utilize
