Determination of the Level of Osteotomy of Radial Neck with Radial Tuberosity as a Most Reliable Reference Point in Radial Head Replacement
Author(s): Mervinrosario PM*, Vijay Narasimman Reddy and Aravind Ravichandran
Abstract
Aim: To determine the most reliable reference point for radial neck osteotomy in replacement surgery of radial head for unrepairable fractures of head and neck of radius.
Methods: A prospective analysis of 30 patients (16 men and 14 women, with mean age 35.3 years) with modified mason type 3 and 4 fractures treated with radial head replacement between August 2016 and July 2020 was performed. The radial neck was osteotomised at 2 mm above the radial tuberosity. The outcomes were studied based on Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), Range of Motion (ROM) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results: The mean MEPI, VAS and ROM at interval of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years show significant improvement. The mean MEPI score at 3 years is 95 and VAS score is 8.8. The mean flexion is 115, pronation is 55 and supination is 75 at the end of 3 years.
Conclusion: Osteotomy performed at 2 mm proximal to radial tuberosity is associated with good clinical and functional outcomes in most cases. Hence the radial tuberosity is a reliable reference point in radial head replacement surgeries.