[Hemiarthroplasty of the radial head in patients with Mason Johnston types III and IV fracture].

INTRODUCTION

The radial head is a primary and important stabilizer of the elbow, mainly for valgus stability, posterolateral and axial displacement of the radius and varus loading. Radial head fractures account for 1.7-5% of all fractures in adults, 17-19% of elbow trauma, and 33% of all elbow fractures. The latter is the most common one at this level. The alternatives for a radial head fracture that cannot be reconstructed include excision of the radial head or hemiarthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the function of patients who underwent radial head hemiarthroplasty for Mason-Johnston types III and IV fractures, us- ing the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Quick-Dash (QD).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A one-year long observational, cross-sectional and ambispective study was conducted at the Thoracic Limb Service, "Lomas Verdes" Orthopedics and Traumatology Hospital. The patients included were ages 18 to 60 years, had a diagnosis of Mason-Johnston types III and IV radial head fractures and were treated with radial head hemiarthroplasty.

RESULTS

A total of seven patients were included, 3 females (42.9%) and 4 males (57.1%). The results of elbow function according to the MEPI were as follows: Excellent, 6 patients (85.7%); Good, one patient (14.3%). The results of the QD functionality and symptoms scale were: 6 patients had a score of 0-5, and one patient more than 10.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment consisting of radial head hemiarthroplasty for Mason-Johnston types III and IV fractures yields good short-term results, because it provides excellent to good function, valgus and varus elbow stability, and minimum elbow symptoms.