Long-term survivorship of the Herbert ulnar head prosthesis: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Despite being in use for over 25 years, long-term data regarding the Herbert ulnar head prosthesis remain scarce. The aim of the present multicentre observational study was to describe the survivorship of this implant in the UK. Retrospective data were collected from clinical records and via telephone consultation. Data were submitted for 227 primary and five revision ulnar head prostheses. Indications for surgery included distal radioulnar joint osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis and failed ulnar head resection surgery. The mean follow-up was 5.5 years (range 1 month–21 years) with 91% ( n = 108) and 87% ( n = 44) survival at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Indications for reoperation included pain, instability, aseptic loosening and distal impaction. In total, 12 patients had implant removal, eight had revision arthroplasty and five underwent soft tissue stabilization. Overall, reassuring mid- to long term survivorship data for the ulnar head prosthesis were found. We recommend the use of arthroplasty registries for implant surveillance. Level of evidence: IV