Total elbow arthroplasty for flail and unstable elbows

Abstract

u nsta e or al e bl fl .I lb ows significantly reduce upper extremity and hand function.20 These elbow abnormalities may occur in a number of circumstances but most frequently follow ununited elbow fractures,‘9, 22 traumatically deficient elbow joints, and severe destructive rheumatoid disease.4, 21 In elbow instability the patient is unable to position or posture the hand for normal function. Independent function of the contralateral hand is also affected, because it is frequently required to support the forearm and hand of the involved extremity. It is particularly troublesome when the dominant elbow is affected. This study reports on our experience with total elbow arthroplasty in patients with unstable or flail elbow joints caused by ununited fractures, traumatically deficient elbow articulations, and severe joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.