Abstract
Chronic synovitis of the elbow in rheumatoid arthritics that has not responded to four to six months of optimal nonoperative management should be treated by synovectomy even in the absence of significant intra-articular X-ray changes. When intra-articular damage is significant, an arthroplasty will not only relieve the pain, but may also provide a satisfactory range of motion. It is necessary to consider all the possible complications and the fact that technically, total elbow arthroplasty is a difficult operation to perform. Because of the potential for loosening, one might consider using an unconstrained device in the patient with adequate bone structure, reserving the semiconstrained devices for elbows with disintegrated bone tissues. The constrained prostheses should be used only for the most severely disorganized and unstable elbows.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
