Failure of Adjustably Aligned Modular Radial Head Arthroplasty With Head-Neck Dissociation and Metallosis

Radial head arthroplasty was introduced in 1941 and the literature supports satisfactory overall midterm patient outcomes and acceptable complication profiles with several models. There are several previously described mechanisms by which radial head complications typically occur. We present the case of a rarely described mechanism of radial head implant failure: elbow synovitis and pain from partial dissociation and metallosis in an adjustably aligned, modular, monopolar, mixed metal, press-fit radial head arthroplasty.