CompletedNot Applicable

Comparison of Two Radial Head Implants

United States41 participantsStarted 2010-03

Plain-language summary

In severe injuries of the radial head with multiple, displaced fracture fragments and concomitant ligament damage, excision of the fragments and replacement of the radial head with a metallic implant are indicated. Current radial head implants are composed of metal or a combination of metal and high molecular weight polyethylene. The prostheses are assembled intra-operatively as a solid unit (monopolar) or as an articulating implant with motion between the stem and head (bi-polar). The stem of the implant is inserted into the proximal radius for support and can be classified as either loose-fitting or fixed. According to the investigators, there are no studies that directly compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between different radial head implant designs. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical and radiographic results in patients treated for an irreparable radial head fracture with either a smooth stem, bipolar radial head implant or a monopolar, in-growth radial head implant. The study findings may provide useful clinical information regarding the similarities and differences in these two implant designs.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 90 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Suffered radial head fracture requiring radial head replacement with the Katalyst or Acumed Radial Head Implant from 2002-2009 Exclusion Criteria: * Unwilling to provide informed consent * Traumatic brain injury that occurred at the time of elbow fracture

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH)

Timeframe: 1 clinic visit

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01269840

SponsorNorthwestern University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2012-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Radial Head Fractures trials