International Orthopaedics

, Volume 39, Issue 5, pp 907–913 | Cite as

Complications of radial head prostheses

  • Stéphanie Delclaux
  • Julie Lebon
  • Amélie Faraud
  • Julien Toulemonde
  • Nicolas Bonnevialle
  • Bertrand Coulet
  • Pierre Mansat
Review Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Radial head prostheses are indicated for treatment of complex radial head fractures not amenable for fixation. After the initial experience with silastic implants, metallic or pyrocarbon arthroplasty have been used for 20 years. Little is known about complications related to these implants. Main complications are related to loosening whether they are cemented or not cemented. Hypotheses have been proposed like inadequate stem design, insufficient cement technique, stress shielding, and foreign body reactions secondary to polyethylene wear. Pain and stiffness are other common complications often related to oversized radial head component or overstuffing of the joint with excessive lengthening of the radius. Instability can be another complication in the context of more complex trauma with lateral collateral ligament complex lesion and coronoid fracture. Fixation of the coronoid fracture, reinsertion of the lateral collateral ligament complex, and the use of monobloc radial head prosthesis are recommended to stabilize the joint. Finally, osteoarthritis is common with follow-up.

Keywords

Radial head Prosthesis Complications Loosening Dislocation Osteoarthritis 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

The authors want to acknowledge all participants of the SOFEC 2014 symposium: T. Fabre, A. Erbland, B. Dunet and C. Tournier (Bordeaux), B. Coulet, MP. Mirous, and M. Chammas (Montpellier), F. Sirveaux and J. Chevrollier (Nançy), M. Winter and O. Gauci (Nice), E. Masmejean and C. Schlur (Paris), C. Nérot, Ph. Doleac and X. Ohl (Reims), F. Duparc, H. Rkhain, and X. Roussignol (Rouen), Ph. Clavert, X. Clément and J. Chedal-Bornu (Strasbourg), L. Favard, E. Marteau, G. Bacle and J. Laulan (Tours).

Conflict of interest

No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.

Funding source

None.

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Copyright information

© SICOT aisbl 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  • Stéphanie Delclaux
    • 1
  • Julie Lebon
    • 1
  • Amélie Faraud
    • 1
  • Julien Toulemonde
    • 1
  • Nicolas Bonnevialle
    • 1
  • Bertrand Coulet
    • 2
  • Pierre Mansat
    • 1
  1. 1.Orthopaedic and Traumatology DepartmentUniversity Hospital of Toulouse Riquet Hospital, CHU PurpanToulouseFrance
  2. 2.Department of Hand and Upper Limb surgeryLapeyronie University HospitalMontpellier cedex 5France

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