Resection of the radial head for fracture of the radial head. Long-term follow-up of seventeen cases

Abstract

Seventeen patients who had a closed fracture of the radial head that was not associated with a dislocation of the elbow or another injury were evaluated eight to forty-six years after resection of the radial head. Few patients complained of even mild, intermittent pain. The ranges of motion of the wrist and elbow were nearly normal, but pronation and supination were decreased by an average of 7 and 15 degrees, respectively. Cybex testing showed losses of strength in pronation and supination of approximately 5 and 11 per cent, respectively. The ulnar variance became increasingly positive by an average of approximately two millimeters, and cubitus valgus increased an average of 9 degrees. These excellent results did not appear to deteriorate over time. In one patient a radio-ulnar synostosis developed.