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Radiocapitellar Arthroplasty: Indications, Surgical Technique and Outcomes

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Elbow Arthroplasty

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Abstract

Isolated arthritis of the lateral compartment of the elbow is rare. Arthroscopic debridement and removal of loose bodies and osteophytes usually lead to good results, when conservative measures fail. The indications for radiocapitellar replacements therefore remain limited. Patients who suffer from post-traumatic or primary radiocapitellar osteoarthritis, who have failed other treatment options, may be considered candidates for a radiocapitellar arthroplasty. Other treatment modalities that could be considered include radial head resection or interposition of tissue. This could also be considered as salvage when a radiocapitellar replacement fails. Placement of a radiocapitellar arthroplasty is technically more challenging, but the incidence of complications should be decreased with a correct surgical technique. Special attention should be paid to perfect alignment and solid placement of the components. Current literature is scarce on outcome data. With the right selection of patients and without postoperative complications, patients’ satisfaction rate is high, with excellent pain relief and functional results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

    Christian Spross

  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Christian Spross

  3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Orthopedic Center Antwerp, Monica Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium

    Roger van Riet

  4. Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

    Roger van Riet

Authors
  1. Christian Spross
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  2. Roger van Riet
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Correspondence to Roger van Riet .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin Medical School, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy

    Filippo Castoldi

  2. Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy

    Giuseppe Giannicola

  3. Department Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy

    Roberto Rotini

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Spross, C., van Riet, R. (2020). Radiocapitellar Arthroplasty: Indications, Surgical Technique and Outcomes. In: Castoldi, F., Giannicola, G., Rotini, R. (eds) Elbow Arthroplasty . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14455-5_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14455-5_28

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-14454-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-14455-5

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