Radial Head Arthroplasty Technique

Description

This video presents a detailed surgical case focusing on radial head arthroplasty performed on a 37-year-old right-hand-dominant female patient who sustained a closed elbow fracture dislocation following a fall. Initially treated with reduction and splinting, she later presented with imaging revealing a comminuted displaced radial head fracture. Due to her young age, surgical options were considered, focusing on the viability of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) versus radial head replacement, the latter being deemed necessary intraoperatively due to extensive bone loss.



The procedure emphasizes the anatomy of the elbow, highlighting the lateral collateral ligament complex, and the importance of protecting the posterior interosseous nerve during the lateral approach. Surgical techniques include making incisions, handling soft tissues, and exposing the radial head for removal and replacement, followed by careful inspection and irrigation to ensure no loose fragments remained. A mechanism for stabilizing the elbow through LUCL repair was also performed. After meticulous reconstruction, the patient’s arm was placed in a sugar tong splint for stabilizing, followed by a transition to rehabilitation. The video concludes with a review of the surgical outcome and postoperative care plans.

Specialties