Patient- and Procedure-Specific Variables Associated With Removal or Revision of Radial Head Arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective review was to identify risk factors associated with removal or revision following radial head arthroplasty. Methods: Patients undergoing primary radial head arthroplasty between 2009 and 2015 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were identified. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to analyze the characteristics of patients requiring implant removal or revision and multivariable analysis was performed to calculate hazard ratios. Results: There were 312 patients included in the final cohort with a median follow-up of 3.8 years. Thirty-five patients (11.2%) underwent prosthesis removal or revision. There was an increased percentage of implants removed or revised in patients under age 40, with surgery performed for chronic indications compared to acute trauma, and with the use of press-fit stems compared to polished. Discussion: It appears younger patient age, chronic surgical indications, and certain aspects of prosthesis design may influence rates of removal or revision.