90-day outcomes and factors for complications following radial head arthroplasty for Mason Type III and IV radial head fractures.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate 90-day outcomes and complications following radial head arthroplasty (RHA) for Mason Type III and IV radial head fractures (RHFs) and determine factors predisposing patients to early complications and revision surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing RHA for Mason Type III and IV RHFs were identified retrospectively from an institutional database. Postoperative complications, reoperations, elbow range of motion, radiographs and concomitant injuries on the ipsilateral upper extremity were reviewed. Additionally, injuries were sub-classified as low-energy trauma (LET) or high-energy trauma (HET). Univariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the risk for complications using patient factors not limited to the presence of concomitant ligamentous or bony injuries. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Seventy four patients were included in our study with an average follow-up time of 12.7 months. Complications within 90-days of operation occurred in 8.1% of patients: heterotopic ossification (4.1%), superficial wound dehiscence (2.7%), and posterior interosseous nerve palsy (1.4%). No patients required readmission or revision surgery in the 90-day postoperative period. Univariate regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between diabetes, ASA status, HET versus LET, or the presence of concomitant injury. Concomitant injuries were found in 92% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Radial head arthroplasty for RHFs demonstrates a low complication rate in the short-term. Diabetes, ASA class, high versus low energy trauma, and presence of concomitant injury were not found to be associated with higher complication rates in the 90-day postoperative period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level of evidence IV, retrospective case series.