Introduction: Radial head fractures are common in adults and the elderly, with 85% occurring between 30-60. Falling forcefully on an outstretched hand during trauma is the usual mode of injury but osteopenia and osteoporosis can make even a little fall dangerous. Aim: This study aims to assess the functional outcome of fractures of the radial head treated with a primary replacement. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, between November 2020 to August 2022. In this study, 21 patients with radial head fractures fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated using Kocher’s approach with a radial head prosthesis and evaluated functionally. In addition, functional outcome was assessed with Mayo and Oxford elbow scores. Results: Of the 21 patients included in the study, 13 were male (61.9%), and eight were female (38.1%). 61.9% had Mason Type 3 fractures, 38.1% had Mason Type 4 fractures, and 47.6% had mild chronic pain as a complication of radial head replacement. We had excellent results in 14 (66. 7%) patients, and 7 (33.33%) had good results. It was observed that postoperative pain was the major complication. There was a significant improvement in the functional outcome scores within six months of the postoperative period. Conclusion: Radial head replacement with radial head prosthesis has given excellent results and can be the implant of choice for complex radial head fractures.

Introduction: Radial head fractures are common in adults and the elderly, with 85% occurring between 30-60. Falling forcefully on an outstretched hand during trauma is the usual mode of injury but osteopenia and osteoporosis can make even a little fall dangerous. Aim: This study aims to assess the functional outcome of fractures of the radial head treated with a primary replacement. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, between November 2020 to August 2022. In this study, 21 patients with radial head fractures fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated using Kocher’s approach with a radial head prosthesis and evaluated functionally. In addition, functional outcome was assessed with Mayo and Oxford elbow scores. Results: Of the 21 patients included in the study, 13 were male (61.9%), and eight were female (38.1%). 61.9% had Mason Type 3 fractures, 38.1% had Mason Type 4 fractures, and 47.6% had mild chronic pain as a complication of radial head replacement. We had excellent results in 14 (66. 7%) patients, and 7 (33.33%) had good results. It was observed that postoperative pain was the major complication. There was a significant improvement in the functional outcome scores within six months of the postoperative period. Conclusion: Radial head replacement with radial head prosthesis has given excellent results and can be the implant of choice for complex radial head fractures.