A retrospective comparative cohort study of radial head arthroplasty versus resection in complex elbow dislocations.

INTRODUCTION: The management of radial head fractures for the treatment of complex elbow dislocations remains controversial. Until the publication of recent therapeutic algorithms, different actions have been carried out, including resection or arthroplasty of the radial head. This study aims to compare the clinical and radiological results of these two techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between the years 2001 and 2016 in complex elbow dislocations associating comminuted fractures of the radial head (Mason type IV) for two cohorts: 20 patients who received a radial head prosthesis against 12 patients treated with resection. At the end of the follow-up, two functional valuation scales were applied: Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH). Radiological study included the presence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and heterotopic ossifications in both groups; and specific complications in the group of patients treated with an arthroplasty.

RESULTS: The average age of the sample was 52.2 years in the prosthesis group, and 58.5 for the resection group, with a mean follow-up of 83.8 and 163 months respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the mean values of the MEPS scale between the two groups (p = 0.5). The mean DASH score was significantly higher in the resection group (29.8 versus 10.3 with p = 0.006). A significantly higher rate of reinterventions and heterotopic ossifications was documented in the group of patients treated with radial head excision. The rate of specific radiological complications in the prosthesis group was 45%.

CONCLUSIONS: Although radial head resection could be a valid treatment in this group of patients, radial head arthroplasty would remain as the main option for the treatment of these lesions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study.