title: Result of a pyrocarbon prosthesis after comminuted and unreconstructable radial head fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of treating unreconstructable acute radial head fractures associated with other elbow fractures and soft-tissue injuries with a pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis replacement, as well as repair of the associated injuries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight patients with Mason type III unreconstructable and unstable radial head fractures and with associated injuries (according to Hotchkiss classification modified by van Riet) were treated with a pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis replacement; repair of collateral ligaments and associated elbow fractures was also carried out. Patients were evaluated in accordance with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, measuring pain, grip strength, range of motion, and stability, as well as radiographic images.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a mean of 32 months postoperatively (range, 12-62 months), the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 92 points. The result was considered excellent or good in 25 patients, with a high degree of satisfaction and functional restoration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of treating Mason type III radial head fractures with additional elbow fractures and soft-tissue injuries with pyrocarbon radial head prostheses are satisfactory; nevertheless, long-term follow-up is still necessary.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Service, Vega Baja Hospital, Orihuela, Alicante, Spain. jriconre@yahoo.es
authors.forename: F Javier
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Ricón
authors.forename: Plácido
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lajara
authors.forename: Adolfo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galán
authors.forename: Juan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lozano
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Guerado
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011108:Polymers; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers