Results of Resection of the Radial Head after Fracture

A retrospective study was undertaken on eight patients with complete resection of the radial head and four patients with partial resection of the radial head due to closed fracture of radial head. The average time of follow-up was 3.2 years (range, 1.8 to 4.4 years). Six patients (75 per cent) with complete resection of the radial head had good results, but only two patients (50 per cent) with partial resection of the radial head got good results according to the criteria of Radin and Riseborough. A measurable average proximal migration of the radius of 3.7 millimeters and the average increased valgus angulation of the elbow of 1.4 degrees were found in the twelve patients with resection of radial head, but no harmful effects of these were noted.