Radial head arthroplasty provides successful long-term results in patients treated for comminuted fractures of the radial head, minimum eight-year follow-up

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term results of radial head arthroplasty (RHA) in treating comminuted radial head fractures (RHF).

Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for RHF using the RHA method between 2011 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. We included patients who received reconstruction with a radial head prosthesis in the acute or chronic phase due to a comminuted radialhead fracture. Patients were  excluded if they had a systemic concomitant disease, a previous infection, a fracture or surgery on the same elbow, osteoarthritis, or a follow-up period of less than 5 years. Fractures were classified according to the Mason classification system. For functional assessment, postoperative evaluations included range of motion (ROM), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (qDASH).

Results: Thirty-five patients (23 male, 12 female) were included in the study. Twenty-five had Mason Type III fractures, and 10 had Mason Type IV RHF. The mean age was 47.8 ± 15.6 years, and the mean follow-up period was 117.3 ± 9.3 months. The mean MEPS was 87.5 ± 10.3, and the mean qDASH score was 16.7 ± 10.8. Patients with Mason Type III RHF demonstrated greater flexion (140° vs. 112.5°) and a larger rotational arc of motion (155.5° vs. 144.9°) compared to those with Mason Type IV fractures. However, extension loss, MEPS, and qDASH scores were comparable between the  groups. Radiological outcomes and complication rates also showed no significant differences between fracture types.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that RHA is an effective treatment option for nonreconstructable RHF, offering reliable pain relief, restoration of elbow mobility, and  quality of life. These outcomes highlight its value in managing patients with poor prognostic factors, where conventional reconstruction is not feasible, and in preventing long-term functional impairment.

Cite this article as: Gedikbaş M, Aşcı M, Eren MB, Güneş T. Radial head arthroplasty provides successful long-term results in patients treated for comminuted fractures of the radial head, minimum eight-year follow-up. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc., 2025;59(6):439-445.