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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

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01-02-2014 | Basic Research

Can Ulnar Variance Be Used to Detect Overstuffing After Radial Head Arthroplasty?

Authors: Jun-Gyu Moon, MD, PhD, Jin-Ho Hong, MD, Nitin Bither, MD, Won-Yong Shon, MD, PhD

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

Background

Overstuffing of the radiocapitellar joint during metallic radial head arthroplasty has been reported to cause loss of elbow flexion, capitellar erosion, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Although this is known, there is no agreed-on measurement approach to determine whether overstuffing has occurred.

Questions/purposes

We therefore hypothesized that overlengthening the radial head during radial head arthroplasty changes the ulnar variance in the wrist.

Methods

Seven cadaveric radii were implanted with radial head prostheses of increasing thickness. Each specimen was implanted successively with increasingly thick radial head prostheses measuring 2, 4, and 6 mm thicker than the native radial head, and radiographs were taken after implantation of each prosthesis. The ulnar variance with each prosthesis was measured using the method of perpendiculars.

Results

The ulnar variance of the native and 2-mm (p = 0.04), 4-mm (p = 0.008), and 6-mm (p = 0.008) overly thick radial head prosthesis-implanted states decreased significantly with each incremental increase in prosthetic head thickness.

Conclusions

Implantation of thicker radial head prostheses decreased the ulnar variance. Our results indicate ulnar variance could be used to detect overstuffing of radial head prostheses.

Clinical Relevance

The simplicity and reliability of ulnar variance make it a potentially useful indicator of overlengthening after radial head arthroplasty.

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Title: Can Ulnar Variance Be Used to Detect Overstuffing After Radial Head Arthroplasty?
Authors: Jun-Gyu Moon, MD, PhD
Jin-Ho Hong, MD
Nitin Bither, MD
Won-Yong Shon, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-013-3277-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Can Ulnar Variance Be Used to Detect Overstuffing After Radial Head Arthroplasty?

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Relevance

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Relevance

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