Matching precision of the reverse contralateral radial head in generating of the individualized prosthesis from the surface registration in tuberosity-neck and in tuberosity-diaphysis.

Purpose: Following the radial head replacement, the surface mismatches between the implants and the morphological characteristics of the original proximal radius decreased contact areas and increased contact forces which is potential for the long-term articulating cartilage wear. Several studies demonstrated that the individualized prosthesis, created from computed tomographic (CT) images of the contralateral side with the reverse engineering technology, may reduce the mismatch. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the matching precision of the reverse contralateral head between the surface registration in tuberosity-neck (TN) area and in tuberosity-diaphysis (TD) area.

Materials And Methods: High-resolution CT scan of 11 pairs of the cadaveric arms was performed. Utilizing advanced image processing techniques, three-dimensional (3-D) models of each specimen was generated. The model of the left side was reversed and matched with the model of the right side in the same cadaver by registering in the area of radial neck along with tuberosity (TN) and in the area of radial tuberosity combined with 2 cm of proximal diaphysis (TD). The alteration of the head diameter, dish diameter, articular depth, head thickness, end-plane angle, offset, and head volume were evaluated and analyzed by paired t-test.

Results: No statistically significant difference was found in all parameters from both TN and TD registrations ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The surface registration in either TN or TD area can generate the statistically symmetrical 3-D model with the original head. The registration in these areas may possibly be used in creating the individualized radial head prosthesis.