• 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.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.27 no.2
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• pp.141-148
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• 2024

Background: Radial head arthroplasty allows a high degree of customizability, and implant polarity has emerged as an important variable. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate differences in functional and clinical outcomes between patients receiving monopolar and bipolar radial head prosthetic implants. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were employed, and 65 articles were identified in three databases. Twelve articles contained non-English or insufficient text and were consequently excluded, and 20 others did not contain sufficient data or follow-up. The remaining 33 articles were qualitatively and quantitatively reviewed. Results: In total, 33 populations were identified, with 809 unduplicated patients: 565 with monopolar and 244 with bipolar implants. In these respective patients, the mean follow-up was 40.2 and 56.9 months. Average Mayo Elbow Performance Score were 86.7 and 87.4 (P=0.80), respectively; average Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were 17.9 and 14.7 (P=0.47), and average final flexion/extension arcs were 119.4° and 118.7° (P=0.48). Revision rates were 4.07% and 6.56%, while complication rates were 19.65% and 20.08% in the respective monopolar and bipolar patients. These increased relative risks associated with bipolar implants were not significant. Conclusions: Radial head implant polarity does not appear to affect functional outcomes. While bipolar prosthetic design may increase the risks of revision and complications, the increases were not significant. Level of evidence: IV.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.46-49
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• 2002

Background: Free flaps have become a very important role in the ablative head and neck surgery with functional preservation of defect sites. The forearm free flap has many advantage of lack of bulk, ease of dissection, vascularity, and malleability. Patients and Methods: A review of 51 radial forearm free flaps performed between may 1990 and feburary 2001 at the Korea University was undertaken to determine outcome. Patient age ranged 27 to 72 years (mean 56). There were 44 men and 7 women. The most prevalent neoplasm was squamous cell carcinoma. Results: The tans verse cervical artery and the external jugular vein were the most frequent receipient sites for microvascular anastomosis. Total flap loss occurred in 2 cases (4%) and other complications were seen in 42%. Fifteen patients received preoperative irradiation and the complication was higher than non-irradiation patients, but statistically not significant. Conclusion: The radial forearm free flap offers a variety of reconstructive options for head and neck. Its low flap loss and complication rates offer the best choice for reconstruction of defect of head and neck malignancy.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.117-118
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• 2020

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.131-135
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• 2007

We report an isolated anterior dislocation of the radial head in a 23-year-old man after a fall on the outstretched arm. At the time of the injury, the patient's elbow was in a position of mild flexion and pronation which was suddenly further pronated as he fell down. The radial head was incarcerated by the lateral portion of brachialis muscle, and annular ligament was interposed between capitellum and radial head. Open reduction was performed. During 12 months follow-up, reduction of radial head was well maintained without a limitation of range of motion.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.183-189
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of the current study was to investigate short- to mid-term outcomes and complications following radial head replacement (RHR) for complex radial head fractures and to identify factors associated with clinical outcomes. Methods: Twenty-four patients with complex radial head fractures were treated by RHR. The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years (range, 19-73 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated for a mean follow-up period of 58.9 months (range, 27-163 months) using the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH) score, and serial plain radiographs. Complications were also evaluated. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean VAS score, MEPS, and Quick-DASH score were 0.6±1.1, 88.7±11.5, and 19.4±7.8, respectively. The mean range of motion was 132.7° of flexion, 4.7° of extension, 76.2° of pronation, and 77.5° of supination. Periprosthetic lucency was observed in six patients (25%). Heterotopic ossification was observed in four patients (16.7%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint developed in seven patients (29.2%). Capitellar wear was found in five patients (20.8%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint was significantly correlated with MEPS (P=0.047). Four cases of complications (16.6%) were observed, including two cases of major complications (one stiffness with heterotopic ossification and progressive ulnar neuropathy and one stiffness) and two cases of minor complications (two transient ulnar neuropathy). Conclusions: RHR for the treatment of complex radial head fractures yielded satisfactory short- to mid-term clinical outcomes, though radiographic complications were relatively high.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.39-45
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• 2023

Fixation of radial head fracture with minimally invasive posterior approach remains a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of trans-anconeus posterior elbow approach and to observe lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) in extended elbows. This cadaveric study was performed in twenty upper limbs of fresh fixed adult male cadavers. An oblique incision was made in the middle segment of anconeus until the lateral ligament complex and the joint capsule had been revealed. A deep dissection was explored to observe the anatomical relationship of the LUCL to the anconeus. Measurements of the LUCL were recorded while the elbow was fully extended. The mean distance between the edge of the radial head and the proximal insertion of the LUCL was 13.3 mm (11.5-16.2 mm); the mean distance between the edge of the radial head and the distal insertion of the LUCL was 20.9 mm (19.2-23.4 mm); the distance between the edge of the radial head and the distal edge of the annular ligament was 11.2 mm (8.22-11.7 mm). By estimate correlation of the previous measurements, the direct and accessible way to expose the posterolateral articular capsule of the elbow joint was through a window in medial 2/3 of the middle segment of anconeus muscle. These trans-anconeus approach is useful. It provides good visualization, facilitates applying the implants, and lessens the risk of radial nerve injury. Awareness of the anatomy is mandatory to avoid injury of LUCL.