Extract
The long-term results of resection of the radial head for the treatment of
a simple radial head fracture have been generally
satisfactory1-5.
However, some late complications, such as proximal migration of the radius,
can disable the patient and are difficult to treat. Proximal migration of the
radius is usually
asymptomatic3-5,
although wrist pain develops in a minority of
patients3-8.
The options for treatment are limited, and clinical studies have shown poor
and unreliable
results9,10.
Sowa et al. described a case in which a silicone radial head prosthesis was
implanted for the treatment of wrist
symptoms10.
Proximal migration of the radius progressed, and it was concluded that a more
rigid implant would be necessary. Sellman et al. reached a similar conclusion
after performing a biomechanical study of this
problem11.