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Academic Dissertation

RADIAL HEAD PROSTHESIS IN THE TREATMENT OF COMPLEX, NON-REDUCIBLE RADIAL HEAD FRACTURES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

A. Benedetto1, A. Pulcrano2 ORCID, A. Grosso1, S. Rizzo1 , G. Vicenti3 ORCID, G. Solarino1 ORCID

1 Orthopaedics University of Bari “Aldo Moro”- AOU Policlinico Consorziale, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Orthopaedic and Trauma Unit, Bari, Italy
2 Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience “DiBraiN”, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, AOU General Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
3 Orthopaedics Unit, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, AOU Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, Italy

Correspondence to:

Antonella Benedetto, MD
Orthopaedics University of Bari “Aldo Moro”
AOU Policlinico Consorziale,
Piazza Giulio Cesare 11,
70124, Bari (Ba), Italy
e-mail: benedettoantonella95@gmail.com

Annals of Stomatology 2025 January-April; 5(1): Ahead of Print
DOI https://doi.org/10.69149/orthopedics/2025v17iss1_4


Received: 12 January 2025 Accepted: 20 February 2025

Copyright © by LAB srl 2025 ISSN 1973-6401 (print) / 3035-2916 (online)
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Abstract

Radial head is an important secondary stabilizer of the elbow and it’s essential for the stability in the axial load, valgus and external rotations. Radial head prosthesis is a surgical option that can be used for displaced radial head fractures. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of radial head prosthesis in treating complex, non-reducible radial head fractures (Mason III-IV). Twenty-six patients were included. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) at 3, 6, and 12-months post-surgery. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in functional scores over time, with a mean MEPS at 12 months of 73.85. Subgroup analysis revealed a correlation between the presence of associated ligamentous injuries and poorer functional outcomes. Radial head prosthesis proved to be an effective treatment, offering good functional recovery. However, the retrospective nature of the study, and limited sample size necessitate further prospective studies.

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