[Influence of the method of measurement of muscle force on results of isolated resections of the head of the radius in the adult].

A statistical study of a group of 50 patients determined the mean difference in grip strength between the dominant and non-dominant hands. For every position of the wrist a mean non-dominant/dominant ratio was calculated. This ratio, 87% in the neutral position, was then used to assess grip strength in relation to the dominance of the injured limb in 15 patients who had undergone 16 radial head excisions, a mean time of 74.4 months earlier. Using this method as a correction factor, results vary considerably according to the functional scoring system used. Loss of grip strength was more frequent and more pronounced in men who had been operated on and in those whom a statistical increase in distal radio-ulnar variance was noted. Loss of grip strength was also greatest when the dominant hand had undergone surgery. Excision of the radial head is still indicated in isolated and comminuted fractures when internal fixation is not possible, especially in less active patients when the non-dominant side is affected.