Evidence brief
Radial Head Arthroplasty for Fractures
Radial head replacement restores elbow stability
Metal implants preferred over silicone
Proper sizing critical
Good outcomes in terrible triad injuries
May develop capitellar wear over time
Radial head arthroplasty is valuable for unreconstructable radial head fractures, particularly in the setting of elbow instability (terrible triad, Essex-Lopresti).
Know indications: Mason III unreconstructable, terrible triad, Essex-Lopresti. Sizing: avoid overlengthening (causes capitellar wear). Modern metal designs (monopolar vs bipolar). Alternatives: ORIF if possible, excision only if stable elbow and intact DRUJ.
Sanchez-Sotelo J et al. Results of acute radial head replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2000;82(7):1032-1037.
Level III
Retrospective comparative study or case-control study