Silastic prosthesis in fractures of the head of the radius: long term follow up.

After a fairly long experience we asked ourselves what value should be attributed to replacement surgery of the head of the radius, using a Silastic endoprosthesis? An attempt is made to answer this question after following up our cases for many years. This has led us to two factual conclusions; the limited life of the prosthesis and the surprising tolerance of the elbow to regressive radiographic changes.