The kinematic importance of radial neck length in radial head replacement

van Glabbeek, F.; van Riet, R.P.; Baumfeld, J.A.; Neale, P.G.; O'Driscoll, S.W.; Morrey, B.F.; An, K.N.

doi:10.1016/J.MEDENGPHY.2004.04.011

Title

The kinematic importance of radial neck length in radial head replacement

Author

van Glabbeek, F.

van Riet, R.P.

Baumfeld, J.A.

Neale, P.G.

O'Driscoll, S.W.

Morrey, B.F.

An, K.N.

Abstract

Comminuted radial head fractures can be treated with a radial head implant. The effects of lengthening (2.5 mm, 5 mm) and shortening (2.5 mm, 5 mm) of the radial neck, were compared to the nominal length in six human upper extremity cadavers. Total varus-vaigus laxity and ulnar rotation were recorded. We hypothesized that restoring the exact length of the radius is important to maintain normal kinematics in the elbow joint. Lengthening or shortening of more than 2.5 mm significantly changed elbow kinematics. Lengthening caused a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in varus-valaus laxity, with the ulna tracking in varus and external rotation. Shortening caused a significant increase in varus-valgus laxity (p < 0.001) and ulnar rotation (p < 0.001). with the ulna tracking in valgus and internal rotation. Our study suggests that a restoration of radial length is important and that axial understuffing or overstuffing the radiohumeral joint by 2.5 mm or more, will alter elbow kinematics. © 2004 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language

English

Source (journal)

Medical engineering and physics. - London

Publication

London : 2005

ISSN

1350-4533

DOI

10.1016/J.MEDENGPHY.2004.04.011

Volume/pages

27 :4 (2005) , p. 336-342