title: Long-term effects of excision of the radial head in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The effects of synovectomy and excision of the radial head in 40 elbows affected by rheumatoid arthritis have been assessed. In contrast with many reports indicating minimal side-effects of this procedure, a common pattern of deterioration from what was often a satisfactory initial result has been demonstrated. A biomechanical theory of one of the factors responsible for failure has been put forward and the importance of conserving or replacing the radial head emphasised.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000074402:Synovectomy