• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.234-239
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• 2018

Background: In elbow fracture-dislocation, partial excision of the comminuted radial head fracture that is not amenable to fixation remains controversial considering the accompanying symptoms. This study was undertaken to evaluate the results of radial head partial excision when the comminuted radial head fracture involved <50% of the articular surface in all-arthroscopic repair of elbow fracture-dislocation. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups based on the condition of the radial head fracture. In Group A, the patients had a radial head comminuted fracture involving <50% of the articular surface, and underwent arthroscopic partial excision. Group B was the non-excision group comprising patients with stable and non-displacement fractures. Follow-up consultations were conducted at 6 weeks and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Results: In all, 19 patients (Group A: 11; Group B: 8) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. At the final follow-up, all 19 patients showed complete resolution of elbow instability. No significant differences were observed in the range of motion, visual analogue scale score, and Mayo elbow performance score between groups. Radiological findings did not show any complications of the radiocapitellar joint. However, nonunion of the coracoid fracture was observed in 3 patients (Group A: 1; Group B: 2), without any accompanying instability and clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Considering that the final outcome is coronoid fracture fixation and lateral collateral ligament complex repair for restoring elbow stability, arthroscopic partial excision for radial head comminuted fractures involving <50% of articular surface is an effective and acceptable treatment for elbow fracture-dislocation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.131-135
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• 2020

Background: Resection of the radial head is a surgical indication for comminuted radial head fracture in which internal fixation is inaccessible. Some complications from the surgery can alter the function of the patient's elbow. The objective of this study was to assess functional outcome of the elbow after resection of the radial head. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was performed with patients who underwent radial head resection between 2008 and 2018. Elbow function was assessed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) for 11 patients comprising three women and eight men. The mean follow-up was 47.6 months. The mean age was 41±10.3 years. Results: Nine patients had a stable and painless elbow. The mean extension-flexion arc was 97.73°±16.03°. The mean values of pronation and supination were 76.8° and 74.5°, respectively. The mean MEPI score was 83.2 points, and restoration of overall function was achieved in 81% of the cases. Poor function was noted in one in 10 that presented with a terrible triad. Conclusions: Resection of the radial head restored elbow functionality at a rate of 81%, which was a good outcome for patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.140-145
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• 2011

Purpose: Installing a radial head prosthesis has developed into a reliable procedure to replace the native radial head for treating unreconstructible radial head fracture when this is associated with an unstable elbow or forearm. A variety of implants have been developed and these are now commercially available. This article reviews the literature related to the indications, the available implants and the surgical techniques of radial head replacement arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: The main indication for a metallic radial head prosthesis is a comminuted fracture that is not amenable to reconstruction, and particularly if it is associated with complex elbow injuries. Excision of the radial head should be avoided in the presence of combined injured ligaments or interosseous membrane injury. Three different implants are available in Korea, including the bipolar, press fit monopolar and loose fit monopolar radial head prostheses. A primary technical goal of radial head arthroplasty is the insertion of an implant that closely replicates the native radial head. The major pitfall when using a metallic radial head prosthesis is the insertion of a longer implant, which results in overstuffing of the radiocapitellar joint. Results and Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical results can be anticipated when a radial head prosthesis is used for the correct indications and when a systemic approach is undertaken to ensure proper sizing. For the future studies, we need data regarding the long term outcomes and comparison of the various types of prostheses.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.205-207
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• 2023

A Monteggia fracture is a proximal ulnar fracture with proximal radioulnar ligamentous instability. While there is no precise definition, Monteggia-equivalent fractures are generally considered Monteggia fractures accompanied by radial head fractures. These are rare. In this study, we report a rare variation of a Bado type IV Monteggia-equivalent lesion (fracture of proximal ulnar shaft, proximal radial shaft, and radial head) and its management.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of Acutrak screw fixation for radial head fracture (Mason type 2) without considering the safe Bone of radial head. Materials and Methods: Consecutive seven radial head fracture of Mason type II underwent internal fixation with Acutrak screws from May 2001 to February 2003. The mean follow-up period was 1.2years (ranged, $6 months{\sim}2.5 years$). The mean age of patients was 47 years old (ranged, $36{\sim}60years$ old). The cause of injury were fall down -4 cases and traffic accident -3 cases. The results were evaluated by Mayo Clinic results scoring system. Results: Functional Rating Index of Mayo Clinic was excellent- 2 cases and good- 5 cases. There were no nonunion, loosening, heterotopic ossification, infection or degenerative changes. The postoperative range of motion in elbow joint is nearly full for flexion, extension, pronation and supination in this study Conclusion: Consideration of safe zone is not necessary when Acutrak screws are used for radial head fracture. It seems to be a useful method that Acutrak screw fixation for radial head fracture (Mason type II) could achieve good radiologic and clinical results without influencing proximal radio-ulnar joint and has powerful fixation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.84-91
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• 2007

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report seven cases of metallic radial head prosthesis and present the limit of use in Korea. Materials and Methods: Metallic radial head arthroplasty was performed on 7 patients between April 2006 and December 2006, who had complex elbow injury including comminuted radial head fracture. Indication, operative findings and outcome were assessed. Availability and payment of implant were investigated. Results: All of the patients had more than one associated injury including coronoid fracture, olecranoan fracture, and ligament ruptures. According to Mason classification, there were three type III and four type IV fractures. All radial head fractures were too comminuted to reconstruct. There were two excellent results, four good, and one poor, as graded by Mayo score. There were no patient with instability and implant related complications. Insufficient supply of implant did not enable to do scheduled surgery in 2 cases. Current medical insurance did not cover charge for radial prosthesis, five patients could not help paying for that by themselves. Conclusion: Metallic radial head implants are useful when the radial head cannot be repaired reliably. Preoperative preparing and coverage by medical insurance based on appropriate indication are helpful for decision for a treatment option.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.156-161
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• 2023

Background: We analyzed association between viewing two-dimensional computed tomography (2D CT) images in addition to radiographs with radial head treatment recommendations after accounting for patient and surgeon factors in a survey-based experiment. Methods: One hundred and fifty-four surgeons reviewed 15 patient scenarios with terrible triad fracture dislocations of the elbow. Surgeons were randomized to view either radiographs only or radiographs and 2D CT images. The scenarios randomized patient age, hand dominance, and occupation. For each scenario, surgeons were asked if they would recommend fixation or arthroplasty of the radial head. Multi-level logistic regression analysis identified variables associated with radial head treatment recommendations. Results: Reviewing 2D CT images in addition to radiographs had no statistical association with treatment recommendations. A higher likelihood of recommending prosthetic arthroplasty was associated with older patient age, patient occupation not requiring manual labor, surgeon practice location in the United States, practicing for five years or less, and the subspecialties "trauma" and "shoulder and elbow." Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that in terrible triad injuries, the imaging appearance of radial head fractures has no measurable influence on treatment recommendations. Personal surgeon factors and patient demographic characteristics may have a larger role in surgical decision making. Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic case-control study.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.131-138
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• 1987

In 1814, Giovanni Battista Monteggia first described two cases of fracture of proximal third of ulna with a dislocation of radial head, and this combined injury is now known as the Monteggia fracture. Despite its rarity, the importance of early recognition of dislocated radial head and correct treatment bas been emphasized. Eight cases of Monteggia fracture were studied from March, 1984 to June, 1987. The results are as follows 1. Male patients were six and female were two. 2. The frequent cause of injury was fall down in four cases. 3. Bado type I accounted for 50%, type II for 12.5% and type III for 37.5%. 4. The level of ulna fracture was above upper one third of ulna in seven. 5. The common direction of dislocated radial head was anterior. 6. Two children and two adults were managed by closed reduction. Four ulna fractures in adult were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a semitubular plate. 7. The results (by Bruce et al. criteria) were 3 excellent, 2 good, 1 fair and 2 poor.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2002

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of radial head resection on longevity in nonconstrained total elbow arthroplasty, Materials and Methods : The results of 20 cases of radial head replaced Pritchard ERS and 18 cases of radial head excised Kudo elbow was followed for 6 to 16 years, 10.6 years in average. The rate of loosening, osteolysis, radial head subluxation, joint dislocation and valgus deformity were compared between the two groups. Results'There was no exaggerated cubitus valgus in Pritchard ERS group. However there developed one case of delayed subluxation of radial head occurred in 6 years postoperatively, one case of loosening, and one case of sponta- neous fracture of humeral shaft due to osteolysis. In Kudo elbow group,5 cases (27.8%) showed exaggerated valgus deformity with instability. There were one case of loosening and one case of delayed dislocation occurred in a year postoperatively. Conclusion : The most clear feature of Kudo elbow was exaggerated cubitus valgus. However, the ostolysis was developed in both groups and there was no difference in rate of the other complications between the two groups.

• The Academic Congress of Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society
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• 2009.03a
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• pp.124-125
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• 2009