Radial Head Arthroplasty among Patients with Radial Head Fracture in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Proximal radial fractures are a common type of fracture around the elbow joint. Among these comminuted radial head fractures are commonly associated with secondary injuries and instability of the elbow joint. Management of the radial head in such cases is very important in restoring the stability of the elbow joint and starting early mobilization. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of radial head arthroplasty among patients with radial head fracture in a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 25 January 2019 to 25 December 2020 among patients with a radial head fracture at the Department of Orthopaedics of a tertiary care centre. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 076/77-08A). A convenience sampling method was used. The study group consisted of patients between 20 to 60 years of age with isolated radial head fractures. Radial head arthroplasty was done for Mason types III and IV fractures and functional outcome was calculated postoperatively with Mayo elbow score on follow-up at 3-, 6- and 12-month intervals. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.

Results: Out of 96 patients with radial head fracture, 22 (22.92%) (17.59-28.25, 95% Confidence Interval) underwent radial head arthroplasty. The mean Mayo elbow score was 96.33±7.74 at 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusions: The prevalence of radial head arthroplasty among irreparable radial head fractures was similar compared to other studies done in a similar setting.