Complications of Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Nonrheumatoid Patients: Lessons Learned With Application in an Active Population: Level 4 Evidence

Abstract

Total elbow arthroplasty has become an accepted surgical tool for the reconstruction of advanced rheumatoid arthritis involving the elbow. Expanded application has been reported in patients with osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis and in cases of severe trauma precluding fracture reconstruction, with reports of successful outcomes. Such patients, however, tend to be younger, more active, and potentially place higher demands and stresses on current less than physiologic implants. We reviewed our institution’s experience in non-rheumatoid patients with the hypothesis of finding poor compliance with activity limitations and a high rate of complications.