Modern radial head arthroplasty for terrible triad fracture-dislocations: a retrospective case series with minimum 3-year follow-up

Background: To report mid-term clinical outcomes after radial head arthroplasty for terrible-triad fracture dislocations. Methods: Fourteen patients with terrible triad fracture dislocations treated acutely with arthroplasty and minimum 3-year follow-up. Mayo Elbow Performance Scale (MEPS) and QuickDASH scores. Results: All patients achieved excellent (58%) or good (42%) results on the MEPS. Average QuickDASH score was 9.1 (range 0-25). Reoperation rate was 28%. Conclusions: Acute radial head arthroplasty as a treatment for nonreconstructable radial head fractures in the setting of terrible triad elbow injuries demonstrates good midterm functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV; Retrospective Case Series Study

Duke Scholars

Author Malcolm R DeBaun Orthopaedic Surgery