Elshahhat A, Almekoud M. Radial head arthroplasty: A pillar of stability in complex elbow fractures. World J Orthop 2025; 16(9): 110433 [DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v16.i9.110433]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Amr Elshahhat, MD, PhD, Assistant professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mansoura University, Algomhoria Street, Mansoura 33516, Dakahlia, Egypt. amrelshahat@mans.edu.eg
Research Domain of This Article
Orthopedics
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Orthop. Sep 18, 2025; 16(9): 110433 Published online Sep 18, 2025. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v16.i9.110433
Radial head arthroplasty: A pillar of stability in complex elbow fractures
Amr Elshahhat, Mahmoud Almekoud
Amr Elshahhat, Mahmoud Almekoud, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mansoura University, Mansoura 33516, Dakahlia, Egypt
Author contributions: Elshahhat A designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Elshahhat A and Almekoud M contributed to the writing and editing the manuscript, illustrations and review of literature. All authors were responsible for critical revision, and final approval of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Amr Elshahhat, MD, PhD, Assistant professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mansoura University, Algomhoria Street, Mansoura 33516, Dakahlia, Egypt. amrelshahat@mans.edu.eg
Received: June 7, 2025 Revised: June 26, 2025 Accepted: August 11, 2025 Published online: September 18, 2025 Processing time: 96 Days and 12 Hours
Abstract
Radial head (RH) arthroplasty (RHA) has emerged as a critical intervention in the management of complex elbow fractures, particularly Mason type III and IV injuries where the native RH is irreparable. Beyond its role in pain relief and joint congruity, RHA serves as a biomechanical cornerstone for restoring the lateral column and ensuring elbow stability, especially in the presence of associated ligamentous injuries or fracture-dislocations. This editorial synthesizes current evidence on RHA in Mason type III and IV RH fractures, with attention to biomechanical rationale, implant design, and complication trends. Aiming to reaffirm RHA’s position as a vital tool in contemporary elbow trauma care, a simplified treatment algorithm is presented to support individualized surgical decision-making.
Core Tip: Radial head (RH) arthroplasty has become a preferred treatment option for non-reconstructable Mason type III and IV RH fractures, particularly when associated with elbow instability. This editorial examines the anatomical and biomechanical rationale for RH arthroplasty, evaluates prosthetic design evolution, and critically reviews clinical outcomes and complication patterns. Special emphasis is placed on common failure modes such as aseptic loosening, overstuffing, and stiffness, as well as its cost-effectiveness in comparison to alternative surgical strategies. The aim is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based perspective to guide surgical decision-making in complex elbow trauma. A treatment algorithm is provided to aid surgical decision-making in Mason type III and IV RH fractures, based on fracture morphology and elbow stability.
