071 REPLACEMENT OF THE RADIAL HEAD WITH A PYROCARBON HEAD PROSTHESIS: MIDTERM RESULTS. AIM OF THE STUDY

Abstract

The aim of this study is the presentation of the midterm results of the radial head replacement with pyrocarbon head prosthesis (MoPyc).

Thirty two patients (20 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 54 y.o. (32–68 y.o.) were subjected to replacement of the radial head with a pyrocarbon head prosthesis. Twenty of them had a comminuted radial head fracture(15 Mason IV type and 5 Mason III), two had a malunion and ten had a complex elbow injury (ligamentous rupture and comminuted radial head fracture with/without coronoid process fracture). In 22 patients the fracture was on the dominant side. The mean follow up time was 27 months (21 – 46 months).

The post-operative results were:

1. The mean range of motion in flexion-extension was 130° (105° to 150°), while in pronation and supination was 74° (60°–80°).

2. The mean grip strength was 96% of the contralateral side.

3. There was no clinical laxity in the varus or valgus stress test.

4. According to the Broberg-Morrey score the good and excellent result were 77%, while according to the Mayo Clinic Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) good and excellent results were up to 97% of the total.

Pain was evaluated with a visual analogue scale. Finally there was also a radiographic evaluation of the patients (that yielded six cases of loosening or osteolysis without any clinical manifestation)

Replacement of the radial head with the specific prosthesis leads to very satisfactory results when performed under specific indications.