How long does a radial head replacement last?

At a mean of approximately 10 years, a bipolar radial head prosthesis with a smooth stem demonstrated excellent long- term implant survival and effective restoration of elbow stability and functionality after comminuted radial head fractures.

How painful is radial head replacement?

After your radial head replacement surgery, you will experience pain, discomfort, and significant swelling in and around your elbow joint. After the surgery your elbow will be covered by a thick bandage. You will be given pain modalities to control the pain.

What is radial head replacement surgery?

Radial head replacement surgery is undertaken on a patient’s elbow following a complex fracture to the radial head where fixation by means other than with screws or a plate is not suitable or feasible. During surgery, the fractured bone and joint surface of the radius is removed and replaced with an artificial implant.

How common is radial head replacement?

Radial head fractures are fairly common (20% of all traumatic elbow injuries). Non-operative treatment is indicated in non-displaced fractures, and direct stable internal fixation allowing early elbow mobilisation in most other cases.

Is a radial head fracture serious?

The prognosis for simple radial head fractures is generally excellent. The more comminuted radial head fractures and those that involve other injuries to the ligaments of the wrist and elbow are more likely to result in longer healing time and may require more extensive physical therapy to regain elbow motion.

How soon can I drive after a radial head fracture?

You should not drive whilst in a sling. You can return to work once you are able to do your normal duties. How long will it take to heal? Most fractures heal without any problems in six to twelve weeks.

Does a radial head fracture need surgery?

In most Type III radial head fractures, there is also significant damage to the elbow joint and the ligaments that surround the elbow. Surgery is always required to either fix or remove the broken pieces of bone and repair the soft-tissue damage. If the damage is severe, the entire radial head may need to be removed.

How long will radial head fracture hurt?

What to Expect. You may have pain and swelling for 1 to 2 weeks. If you have a small fracture and your bones did not move around much, you will likely wear a splint or sling that supports your arm, elbow, and forearm. You will probably need to wear this for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

Does a radial head fracture need a cast?

Radial head fractures are not treated in a plaster cast, as the fracture is stable. This means you can move the joint without causing damage. It is very important to get your arm moving as soon as possible, to avoid joint stiffness and muscle tightness.

Can I drive with a radial head fracture?

Initially your arm will be swollen and painful limiting your activities. Slowly increase what you do each day as the pain and swelling improve. You can only return to drive once you feel confident in your ability to perform an emergency stop and contact your insurance provider for advice.

How bad is a radial head fracture?

Can a radial head fracture of the elbow be repaired?

Type III fractures have multiple broken pieces of bone which cannot be put back together for healing. In most Type III radial head fractures, there is also significant damage to the elbow joint and the ligaments that surround the elbow.

How is the Uni-elbow system radio-capitellar replacement used?

specifically for Uni-Compartmental Arthroplasty of the lateral radial humeral joint. The implant offers an alternative to hemi-arthroplasty of the proximal radial head. The implant is used for the treatment of degenerative joint disorders of the radio-capitellar joint. The radio capitellum implant component is designed to be used

Can a radial head replacement be resected by radiography?

Imaging evaluation usually requires AP and lateral views, and focuses on looking for loosening or periprosthetic fracture: loosening may be difficult to detect in radial head replacements using conventional radiography The radial head may be resected when placing the arthroplasty. Overall 10 year prosthesis survival is ~90% 2.

How is the radial head important to the elbow?

The radial head is shaped like a round disc and is important in movements of the elbow. The radial head moves both in flexion and extension (bending) of the elbow joint, as well as rotation of the forearm. Therefore, injury to the radial head can affect all movements at the elbow. 1  Shidlovski / Getty Images