OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical effects of artificial radial head prosthesis replacement for the treatment of comminuted fracture of the radial head.

METHODSFrom June 2011 to June 2015, 25 patients with radial head comminuted fracture were treated with artificial radial head replacement, including 10 males and 15 females, ranging in age form 24 to 61 years old(mean, 40 years old). The functional recovery of the patients suffering from limb and elbow in different periods, the activity degree of the elbow joint and the function of the elbow in the latest follow-up were compared.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 48 months, averaged 26 months. There were no complications such as infection, elbow instability, subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint, and myositis ossificans. The VAS, Broberg and Morrey elbow function score were improved 6, 9 months after operation compared with that 3 months after operation(<0.05). There were significant differences in elbow flexion and extension, rotation activity between injured side and healthy side 3, 6, 9 months after operation(<0.01), but no significant differences between injured side and healthy side at the latest follow-up(>0.05). At the latest follow-up, according to Broberg and Morrey elbow function evaluation criteria, 16 cases got an excellent result, 7 good and 2 poor.

CONCLUSIONSIt can maximize the recovery of elbow joint stability and quicken early functional exercise, prevent and reduce the occurrence of complications by using the artificial radial head replacement therapy to repair comminuted fracture of the radial head. The short-term curative effect is satisfactory, but the long-term effect needs further observation.