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Promising midterm results seen with pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis
Midterm results from this retrospective study showed patients who received a titanium-pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis had good clinical and radiological results, with radiographic evidence of cortical resorption around the neck of the prosthesis in 92% of patients and no cases of mechanical failure.
Researchers retrospectively studied data for 52 patients who underwent a radial head replacement with a titanium-pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis and had a mean follow-up of 42 months. Clinical evaluations included patient occupation, medical history, mechanism of injury, work-related injuries, type of initial lesion and the presence of any associated lesions. Investigators also assessed patients’ range of motion, pain, stability, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and grip strength. Radiographs were used to assess bone resorption around prosthesis neck and periprosthetic lucency.
Results showed the overall MEPS score was 96, with a pain score of 42 and a motion score of 18. Cortical resorption around the prosthesis neck was found in 48 patients (92%). Investigators noted no mechanical failures. According to radiographic results, bone resorption did not extend to the bicipital tuberosity and occurred mostly anterior and lateral. Resorption became stable within 1 year of being resolved. Overall, both function and stability were excellent. There were eight patients who required revision surgery for stiffness. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Gauci reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.