RADIAL HEAD ARTHROPLASTY USING AN HETEROLOGOUS EQUINE PERICARDIUM MEMBRANE

The use of a membrane allows to recreate the radiohumeral interface after resection of the radial head in a growing subject

The sheet describes a radial head resection procedure performed in a young patient where the sequelae of a previous trauma had led to a painful joint deficit in the elbow. The patient, still in the growth phase, indeed presented to the surgeon’s attention with sequelae of a poorly consolidated radial head fracture, due to the presence of an intra-articular step-off. After assessing the various surgical possibilities of intervention (corrective osteotomies; prostheses), it was decided to propose to the patient a treatment plan that involved resecting the radial head to restore normal radiohumeral relation. The procedure was then performed by resecting and remodeling the radial head. The open bone surface was protected using an equine pericardium membrane, in order to recreate a facing surface with the capitulum humeri coated with fibrous material to prevent painful friction.

PRODUCTS USED: Heart Pericardium Membrane