Design and biomechanical analyses of radial head elbow implants

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The radial head is one of three bones which form the elbow joint. The radial head allows for both bending and straightening of the elbow and rotation of the forearm. Fractures of the radial head are the most common elbow fractures seen in adults and frequently result in stiffness, pain and weakness. While most radial head fractures can be fixed, some are too fragmented to allow successful healing. Radial head replacement is employed in such cases, however, relative to the success of hip and knee replacements, the outcome of radial head implants has been less reliable. Current implants do not mimic the complex shape of the proximal radius; hence it is not surprising that there is a high incidence of failure of these devices. The objective of the current study is to accurately measure the shape of the proximal radius of a large number of normal elbows using computer imaging in an effort to develop an anatomic radial head implant system. We also plan to compare the performance of these anatomic implants with the native radial head in a bench-top cadaveric study. Furthermore we plan to use computer imaging to develop an exact replica of the native radial head using a reverse-engineering approach, to evaluate the feasibility and performance of custom manufactured radial head prostheses that precisely match that of patients. We are optimistic that this 'bench to bedside' approach will result in improved outcome for patients afflicted this common fracture.