Radial head replacement with a bipolar system: an average 10-year follow-up.

Background: We report the long-term results of a cohort of patients after radial head replacement with a bipolar design and a smooth cementless stem at a mean follow-up of 10.4 years.

Methods: Of 17 possible patients from a previous minimum 2-year follow-up study, 16 were available for review. Patients were assessed using clinical and radiographic examination and with standardized outcome measures. Range of motion, stability, and radiographic evaluation of implant loosening and joint degeneration were assessed. Comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test for unequal groups.

Results: The average follow-up was 10.5 years (range, 8.5-12 years). The median visual analog scale was 1 (range, 0-5), Minnesota Elbow Performance Index was 93 (range, 70-100), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand was 7.5 (range, 0-53). Range of motion was decreased on the operative side compared with the nonoperative side for flexion/extension (P = .005) and pronation/supination (P = .015). Grip strength was decreased on the affected side (P = .045). No patients had elbow instability. Significant arthritic changes developed in 2 patients at the ulnohumeral joint. The median cantilever quotient was 0.4 (range, 0.30-0.50). Osteolysis in zones 1 to 7 was found in all but 2 patients. The median stem radiolucency was 0.5 mm (range, 0.2-0.9 mm). No reoperations occurred since our previous report. Implant survival in this cohort was 97%.

Conclusion: Bipolar radial head prosthesis with a smooth cementless stem effectively restores elbow stability and function after comminuted radial head fractures with or without concomitant elbow instability. Our study demonstrates excellent long-term implant survival.