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Complications of radial head prostheses

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Abstract

Radial head prostheses are indicated for treatment of complex radial head fractures not amenable for fixation. After the initial experience with silastic implants, metallic or pyrocarbon arthroplasty have been used for 20 years. Little is known about complications related to these implants. Main complications are related to loosening whether they are cemented or not cemented. Hypotheses have been proposed like inadequate stem design, insufficient cement technique, stress shielding, and foreign body reactions secondary to polyethylene wear. Pain and stiffness are other common complications often related to oversized radial head component or overstuffing of the joint with excessive lengthening of the radius. Instability can be another complication in the context of more complex trauma with lateral collateral ligament complex lesion and coronoid fracture. Fixation of the coronoid fracture, reinsertion of the lateral collateral ligament complex, and the use of monobloc radial head prosthesis are recommended to stabilize the joint. Finally, osteoarthritis is common with follow-up.

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Acknowledgments

The authors want to acknowledge all participants of the SOFEC 2014 symposium: T. Fabre, A. Erbland, B. Dunet and C. Tournier (Bordeaux), B. Coulet, MP. Mirous, and M. Chammas (Montpellier), F. Sirveaux and J. Chevrollier (Nançy), M. Winter and O. Gauci (Nice), E. Masmejean and C. Schlur (Paris), C. Nérot, Ph. Doleac and X. Ohl (Reims), F. Duparc, H. Rkhain, and X. Roussignol (Rouen), Ph. Clavert, X. Clément and J. Chedal-Bornu (Strasbourg), L. Favard, E. Marteau, G. Bacle and J. Laulan (Tours).

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No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, University Hospital of Toulouse Riquet Hospital, CHU Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, 31059, Toulouse, France

    Stéphanie Delclaux, Julie Lebon, Amélie Faraud, Julien Toulemonde, Nicolas Bonnevialle & Pierre Mansat

  2. Department of Hand and Upper Limb surgery, Lapeyronie University Hospital, 371, avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier cedex 5, France

    Bertrand Coulet

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  1. Stéphanie Delclaux
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  2. Julie Lebon
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  3. Amélie Faraud
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  4. Julien Toulemonde
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  6. Bertrand Coulet
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  7. Pierre Mansat
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Correspondence to Pierre Mansat.

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Delclaux, S., Lebon, J., Faraud, A. et al. Complications of radial head prostheses. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 39, 907–913 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2689-7

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