Radial head prosthesis micromotion characteristics: Partial versus fully grit-blasted stems

BackgroundCompared to fully textured prosthetic stems, partial texturing lessens bone loss due to stress shielding and makes removal easier. However, initial press-fit stability is necessary for bone ingrowth.HypothesisThere is no significant difference in the initial stability of radial head prostheses that are partially grit-blasted compared to those that are fully grit-blasted.Materials and methodsCadaveric radii were implanted with partial or fully grit-blasted radial head prostheses. Micromotion of the stem at the isthmus of the canal and stem tip were measured under circumstances simulating eccentric loads.ResultsMicromotion was not significantly different in the fully grit-blasted stems (isthmus, 11 ± 1 μm; tip, 21 ± 2 μm) and partially grit-blasted stems (isthmus, 13 ± 2 μm; tip, 25 ± 2 μm) (P = 0.4). The direction of loading had no effect on micromotion characteristics in either the fully or partially grit-blasted stems (P = .07).DiscussionMicromotion is comparable in partially and fully grit-blasted radial head prosthetic stems. For both stem surfaces, micromotion was well within the range that is conducive for bone ingrowth. A partially textured stem might have less bone loss due to stress shielding, making it easier to remove without destroying bone.ConclusionThe initial stability of a radial head stem that is partially grit-blasted only at the proximal end is comparable to that of a radial head stem that is grit-blasted along its entire length.