Survivorship and clinical outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty using the Zimmer Nexel Elbow system

Abstract

BackgroundTotal elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or distal humerus fracture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of the semiconstrained Nexel Total Elbow (Nexel) at a single center. MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of consecutive Nexel TEA procedures at a single center between 2014 and 2019. Of the 21 TEAs, 18 were alive and asked to return to the clinic to complete a physical exam, radiographs, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and EuroQol 5D. Patients who could not return in person were offered a remote participation option. Outcomes included the following: implant survival, surgical complications, reoperation for any reason, radiographic assessment to identify loosening and bushing wear, and mean scores on patient-reported outcomes. ResultsThere were 11 TEA procedures who responded (61%), with eight returning to the clinic and three remote participants. The mean follow-up was 53.3 months (28-89 months). None of the TEAs were revised or reoperated on for any reason; the survival rate was 100%. One TEA (13%) had radiographic evidence of loosening, limited to the humeral component. There was no evidence of bushing wear. One TEA experienced ulnar nerve neuropraxia postoperatively, without permanent dysfunction (13%). The majority of patients reported satisfactory outcomes as measured by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (73%), with a mean score of 90 (standard deviation [sd] = 13). On average, patients reported minimal disability on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (mean = 29, sd = 23) and relatively high health-related quality of life (EuroQol 5D, mean = 0.83, sd = 0.08). ConclusionsClinical and radiographic results of the Nexel TEA, a semiconstrained implant, were favorable. In contrast to the high complication rate and concerning radiographic findings reported previously, the current study reports 100% implant survival, with revision or indication for revision as the endpoint, and low rates of complications with an average of 53 months of follow-up. Bushing wear was not identified as a problem in this series; however, loosening of the humeral component may emerge as an indication for revision. More studies on the Nexel TEA are needed to better understand clinical and radiographic outcomes.