The kinematic importance of radial neck length in radial head replacement

Abstract Comminuted radial head fractures can be treated with a radial head implant. The effects of lengthening (2.5mm, 5mm) and shortening (2.5mm, 5mm) of the radial neck, were compared to the nominal length in six human upper extremity cadavers. Total varus–valgus 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 2.5mm significantly changed elbow kinematics. Lengthening caused a significant decrease ( p p p Our study suggests that a restoration of radial length is important and that axial understuffing or overstuffing the radiohumeral joint by 2.5mm or more, will alter elbow kinematics.