Radial head prosthesis with a mobile head

J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2004 Jan-Feb;13(1):78-85. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2003.09.014.

Abstract

Radial head replacement is a useful method in the treatment of comminuted radial head fractures. Because such injuries are a common clinical problem and many complications have been reported after radial head replacements, a new radial head prosthesis is proposed. This new design, based on the shape-dimensional identification of the radial head, consists of two parts. The head, made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, is articulated with a Vitallium stem. A series of functional quality and strength tests were conducted on this new prosthetic design. The implant was also examined via the finite element method. General preclinical investigations of clinical cases show that this prosthesis is a very promising design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement / instrumentation*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cadaver
  • Elbow Joint / physiopathology
  • Elbow Joint / surgery*
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Humans
  • Joint Prosthesis*
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Radius / physiopathology