Results Of Total Elbow Arthroplasty Research Articles

Mid- and Long-Term Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty: Post-Traumatic Consequences and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective of the study: to identify differences in the functional outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty in posttraumatic and rheumatoid cases, to determine the factors affecting the outcomes and rate of the complication.Materials and methods. A retrospective study included 269 patients (272 elbows), who underwent primary total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), 100 men (37.2%), and 169 women (62.8%). The first group included 191 patients (191 elbows) who had elbow trauma. The average follow-up after the operation was 6.9 years (from 0.5 up to 21 years). The compared group included 78 patients (81 elbows) operated on for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The average follow-up time after total elbow arthroplasty was 3.8 years (0.4 to 16.5 years).Results. Tea significantly improved joint function (mean values in post-trauma patients on the Mayo score were 73.8±14.1 points, on the oxford questionnaire — 30.5±8.9, DASH — 40.3±18.4, EQ-5D — 0.536±0.234; in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, on the Mayo score — 75.4±15.5 points, DASH — 38.6±15.8, OES — 35.5±7.9, EQ-5D — 0.580±0.2). In the first group, the frequency of postoperative complications requiring a revision was significantly higher than in the compared group (23.8% and 13.6%, respectively, OR 3.2; 95% CI 0.7-3.0). In the first group, a statistically significant risk of aseptic loosening of the implants was observed in patients operated on for pseudarthrosis of the distal humerus (OR 8.5; 95% CI 1.7-43.6) and post-traumatic deformity (OR 10.5; 95% CI 1.3-88.5). The use of some endoprostheses is also associated with a high risk of aseptic instability (OR 3.5; 95% CI 0.9-13.3). A significant risk of a deep periprosthetic infection was observed in patients with post-traumatic bone defect (OR 7.0; 95% CI 1.2-40.1) and post-traumatic deformity of the elbow joint (OR 14.0; 95% CI 2.5-77.8). Risk factors for loosening endoprostheses in patients with RA were: defective cementation of humeral component (OR 35.0; 95% CI 3.8325.0), valgus deviation of the humeral component 9° (OR 9.2; 95% CI 1.0-82.2), low constructive reliability of the endoprosthesis (OR 13.6; 95% CI 2.3-79.4), patient age 59 years (OR 12.8; 95% CI 1.5-113.0 ), BMI 32 kg/m2 (OR 8.4; 95% CI 1.5-47.5), and CRP level 36.1 mg/l (OR 4.8; 95% CI 0.4-65.8).Conclusion. Mid-term and longterm results showed that TEA helps restore the amplitudes of elbow movement and the function of the limb, both in elbows with post-traumatic consequences and with RA. However, the frequency of postoperative complications requiring a revision is significantly higher in the group of patients with consequences of the fractures than in the group of patients with RA.

Total elbow arthroplasty in patients with tumor-like lesions of elbow, preliminary results of a single-center experience

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the preliminary clinical outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in the treatment of elbow deformity caused by tumor-like lesions. Methods Between September 2009 and June 2017, the technique of triceps facial tongue exposure was adopted for all 11 patients who underwent total elbow arthroplasty. There were 5 females and 6 males with the mean age of 56.7±14.7 years. There were 6patients with synovial chondromatosis and 5 with pathologic hypertrophy of synovium. Seven of 11 patients were performed by posterior approach only, while the other 4by combined posterior-anterior approach. A semi-constrained Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis which provides 7° varus/valgus laxity was used in 7 patients, and custom-made total constrained prosthesis which only allow flexion and extension on a single plane was used in 4 cases. Preoperative average flexion range of elbow was 50.5°±14.0° (range, 20°-70°). The ulnar nerve compression and claw hand deformity was identified in 2patients preoperatively and the nerve was transposed during operation. According to Mayo elbow function score (MEPS score), the average preoperative MEPS score was 42.1±12.7 points (range, 15-60). Results Perioperative complications were not found. None of patients lost in thefollow-up and all the patients were alive. There was no pain in the joints, no triceps fracture or weakening of muscle strength, and no recurrence of the lesions. All 11 patients were followed up for 7 to 63 months with an average of 36.3±19.5 months. The mean MEPS score was improved to 89±7.2 point after surgery (t=-11.993, P= 0.000). The average flextion-extension arc improved from preoperative 50.5° to 105.9° postoperatively (t=-8.697, P=0.000). The average pronation-supination arc improvement from preoperative 105°-123.2° postoperatively (t=-6.901, P=0.000). For the two patients with ulnar nerve deficit before surgery, one patient recovered 6 months after operation, however, the other patient did not 2 years later. One Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis with deep infection was treated by removing the implant. Three of 4 custom-made total constrained prostheses experienced implant failure due to loosening or periprosthetic fracture. The incidence of complications of semi-constrained prosthesis was lower than that of total constrained prosthesis (14% vs. 75%), however, it did not reach a significant difference. Conclusion This study reveals an acceptable outcome with triceps facial tongue exposure for TEA in the treatment of tumor-like lesions of elbow. TEA is a viable good alternative treatment for selected patients with large mass around the elbow or with severe deformation. However, the failure rate of fully constrained prosthesis tends to be higher than semi-constrained one, possible due to its design flaw. Key words: Arthroplasty, replacement, elbow; Paraneoplastic syndromes; Surgical procedures, electiv

Postoperative Infection Related with the Total Elbow Arthroplasty (Kudo's Prosthesis) in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA) for the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been popularized since 1980s. The outcomes of TEA using any type of implant design for RA has been satisfactory. On the other hand, many orthopedicians experience several postoperative complications. Among them, postoperative infection has still being the most troublesome and difficult to treat. This study is to clarify the causes of postoperative infection of TEA using Kudo's prosthesis for RA and discuss how to manage and prevent infection. 421 TEAs were performed for 405 cases with RA at the authors' institute during the period between 1982 and 2007. They were followed up for 1~25 years (Av. 12.3 years). The authors examined pain, the range of motion, roentgenograms and complications postoperatively. We were able to start treatment within 4 weeks after occurrence of infection. For surgical management of infected TEAs, debridement of the synovium and removal of the prosthesis with loosening were performed for all cases. In addition, all cases have been regularly and strictly followed-up with the elbow protector to prevent recurrence of infection since 2008. There were 98 TEAs with the postoperative complications (23.3%). Eight out of 98 TEAs were infected (1.9%). Five of eight infected TEAs were primarily at the surgical scar site infection (SSSI) (60%), unknown causes in two, hematogenous course in 1. It's obvious that surgical scar site infection (SSSI) was the leading cause of postoperative infection in this study. Thus, the authors made the elbow proctor to avoid injuries of the skin around surgical scar site (SSS). Since 2008, all of the TEAs and revised TEAs have been applied with this protector. The authors reported 8 infected TEAs: 5 cases were revised, 2 with the brace, 1 had above the elbow amputated. The regular and meticulous follow up and application of the elbow protector were useful to prevent infection of post-TEAs using Kudo's prosthesis in RA. Since 2008, there have been no infection of post TEAs and revised TEAs.

A study on clinical outcome of total elbow arthroplasty

Introduction: Prosthetic total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a recognised treatment for the painful arthritic elbow. is a challenging procedure for orthopedic surgeons. For elderly patients with deformity and ankylosis of the elbow due to posttraumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis or comminuted fracture distal humerus, arthroplasty is one of the option. The clinical outcome and long-term survivorship differs from implant to implant, and the results obtained with a given linked or unlinked implant cannot be extrapolated to other members of the same implant family.Materials and Methods: 13 cases of total elbow arthroplasty were included in this study, between June 2010 and October 2013. The indications for total elbow arthroplasty in this study were rheumatoid arthritis, comminuted fracture distal humerus with intraarticular extension, and posttraumatic bony ankylosis of elbow joint. Patients with compound fracture around the elbow joint, severely comminuted fracture proximal ulna, flaccid paralysis of the upper limb, non-restorable function of biceps or triceps and patients with high demanding jobs have been excluded from the study. Results: The average operative time was 86.2 minutes (range 64 to 108 minutes). The follow up was from 4 months to 110 months (mean 71 months). The evaluation of the patients was based on clinical as well as on radiological parameters. Pre-operatively four patients had stable elbows as they had ankylosis in non-functional position between 80 to 90° due to rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic arthritis and also stable by virtue of bony fusion. Remaining nine patients had unstable elbows because of fracture distal humerus. Clinico‑radiologically all the elbows were stable. Conclusion: To conclude, a semi constrained total elbow arthroplasty is a predictable and effective method for decreasing pain and restoring function in elderly patients with chronic elbow dislocation or fracture dislocation. The rapid functional improvement provided by this procedure allows patients to return to activities of daily living early.

Long-term results of total elbow arthroplasty in patients with hemophilia

It was hypothesized that the long-term survivorship and clinical outcome are reasonable, justifying total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in patients with end-stage hemophilic arthropathy. From 2002 to 2012, 13 primary TEAs (Coonrad-Morrey design) were implanted in 9 consecutive patients with an average age of 55 (range, 39-76) years. Type A hemophilia was diagnosed in 7 patients and type B hemophilia in 2 patients. Clinical and radiographic results of all (11 TEAs) but 1 patient were retrospectively analyzed. After a mean of 9.1 (range, 5-14) years, the mean visual analog scale score for pain, total Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and subjective elbow value were significantly improved from 5 (standard deviation, ±3) to 2 (±2; P = .007) points, from 64 (±16) to 89 (±11; P = .008) points, and from 47% (±15%) to 81% (±11%; P < .001), respectively. Whereas the flexion arc remained unchanged (P = .279), mean active pronation improved significantly (P = .024). Postoperative complications were recorded in 8 TEAs (62%), whereas 5 TEAs (38%) underwent partial component exchange after a mean of 7.2 (range, 3-10) years: 2 for periprosthetic infection, 2 for polyethylene wear, and 1 for humeral component loosening. Of the living patients after partial component exchange (n = 3), the mean final total Mayo Elbow Performance Score, flexion and rotation arc, visual analog scale score for pain, and subjective elbow value were comparable with the results of the living patients without revision surgery (n = 8). TEA for patients with advanced hemophilic arthropathy is associated with a substantial complication and revision rate. However, even after revision without implant removal, it provides good functional and subjective long-term results.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humeral Fractures: A Ten-Year-Minimum Follow-up Study.

Total elbow arthroplasty is commonly considered for elderly patients with comminuted distal humeral fractures. Satisfactory short-term outcomes have been reported, but long-term outcomes are unknown. Our purpose was to assess the long-term outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty after distal humeral fracture and to determine differences between elbows with or without inflammatory arthritis at the time of fracture. Forty-four total elbow arthroplasties were performed after distal humeral fracture; those patients were followed for a minimum of 10 years and were evaluated with regard to pain, motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Scores, complications, and reoperations. The outcomes in elbows with and without inflammatory arthritis were compared. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed. Total elbow arthroplasty provided good pain relief and motion; the mean visual analog scale for pain was 0.6, the mean flexion was 123°, and the mean loss of extension was 24°. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 90.5 points, with 3 patients scoring <75 points. Five elbows (11%) developed deep infection, treated surgically with component retention (3 acute) or resection (2 chronic). Implant revision or resection was performed in 8 elbows (18%): 3 for infections (1 reimplantation and 2 resections), 3 for ulnar loosening (associated with periprosthetic fracture in 1), and 2 for ulnar component fractures. Additional periprosthetic fractures were observed in 5 elbows. The survival rates for elbows with rheumatoid arthritis were 85% at 5 years and 76% at 10 years, and the survival rates for elbows without rheumatoid arthritis were 92% at both 5 and 10 years. The most relevant risk factor for revision was male sex (hazard ratio, 12.6 [95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 93.6]). Selective use of total elbow arthroplasty to treat fractures of the distal part of the humerus for infirm, less active older patients and patients with inflammatory arthritis has acceptable longevity in surviving patients, but at the cost of a number of major complications. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients Less Than 50 Years Old

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a treatment option for end-stage arthritis in low-demand patients willing to accept the limitations of TEA. Concern remains regarding the longevity of TEA implants, especially in younger patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the failure rate and complication profile of TEA performed in patients aged less than 50 years. Between 2009 and 2013, 11 linked TEAs were performed in patients aged less than 50 years (mean age, 37 years; range, 22-47 years). Outcome measures included pain; range of motion; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; Mayo Elbow Performance scores; complications; and reoperations. Elbows were observed for a minimum of 2 years or until mechanical failure. Mean follow-up was 3.2 years. At follow-up, 82% of TEAs had experienced a complication. Six elbows sustained mechanical failures (5 had ulnar loosening and one had humeral loosening). Pain improved from 8.0 to 4.9. Extension improved from 34° to 22° and flexion increased from 113° to 128°. Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score for surviving implants at follow-up was 42.9 (range, 17.5-56.7). Mayo Elbow Performance scores for surviving implants were rated as excellent (2), good (1), and fair (2). High rates of early mechanical failure, predominately ulnar loosening, were observed in TEA in patients aged less than 50 years. Surgeons should remain cautious in performing TEA in young patients who can be expected to use the TEA in a more demanding fashion, placing them at higher risk for mechanical failure. Therapeutic V.

Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty with Cementless Implantation of an Alumina Ceramic Elbow Prosthesis for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We investigated the long-term clinical results of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) by cementless fixation of alumina ceramic unlinked elbow prostheses (J-alumina ceramic elbows: JACE) for the reconstruction of elbow joints with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventeen elbows in 17 patients (aged 44-72 years, average 54.8) replaced by JACE TEA without bone cement were investigated. The average follow-up period was 10.7 (range, 1.0-19.3) years. Clinical conditions of each elbow before and after surgery were assessed according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). Radiographic loosening was defined as a progressive radiolucent line of more than 1 mm that was completely circumferential around the intramedullary stem. The average MEPI significantly improved from 46.8 points preoperatively to 66.8 points at final follow-up (p=0.0226). However, aseptic loosening was noted in 10 of 17 elbows (58.8%) and revision surgery was required in 7 (41.2%). Most loosening was observed on the humeral side. With radiographic loosening and revision surgery defined as the end points, the likelihoods of prosthesis survival were 41.2% and 51.8%, respectively, up to 15 years by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The clinical results of JACE implantation without bone cement were disappointing, with high revision and loosening rates of the humeral component.

Short-term Clinical Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty Using K-NOW in Rheumatoid Elbows

Short-term Clinical Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty Using K-NOW in Rheumatoid Elbows

Postoperative Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Using the Unlinked J-alumina Ceramic Elbow Prosthesis

Postoperative Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Using the Unlinked J-alumina Ceramic Elbow Prosthesis

当院における人工肘関節全置換術（TEA）の短期成績

当院における人工肘関節全置換術（TEA）の短期成績

Total elbow arthroplasty in grossly comminuted intercondylar fracture humerus in elderly population: Results and analysis

Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate short to medium term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in the grossly comminuted intercondylar fracture humerus in the elderly population. Patients and Methods: It is a prospective study. Data were collected from the patients attended with intercondylar fracture humerus in a tertiary care hospital from June 2009 to July 2014. Thirty-five patients attended with intercondylar fracture humerus in these periods. We had done 13 cases of primary TEA for comminuted intercondylar fracture of the distal humerus. Grossly comminuted fracture, osteoporotic bone and age more than 65 years were considered for TEA. All the patients were evaluated at 6 weeks after the operation, and then at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. We used the Mayo score to assess the functional results. Results: Mean age of the patients was 70.84 years (range: 66–78 years). Of thirteen patients, nine patients were female, and four patients were male. The mean interval between the time of the accident and operation was 4.07 days (range: 2–10 days). The mean hospital stay was 12 days (range: 8–16 days). The mean follow-up was for 19.46 months (range: 18–31 months). All the elbows were stable. The mean flexion was to 115.38° (90°–140°). The mean arc of rotational movement was 161.53° (130°–180°). Eleven patients had no limitation of daily living, and two had some limitation of daily living. Mean Mayo score was 93.84 (range: 85–100). One patient developed osteolysis around the stem of the prosthesis in the humerus in follow-up radiograph, but the clinically patient had no complaint. Three patients had a surgical site infection, and two patients had ulnar nerve paresis but infection controlled after 7–10 days and nerve paresis completely cured after 3–4 months. Conclusion: The primary TEA in a case of grossly comminuted intercondylar fracture humerus in elderly population gives comparable short to medium term results.

Total elbow arthroplasty: Influence of implant positioning on functional outcomes

BackgroundRestoring the axis of rotation is often considered crucial to achieving good functional outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty. The objective of this work was to evaluate whether variations in implant positioning correlated with clinical outcomes. HypothesisClinical outcomes are dictated by the quality of implant positioning. Material and methodsA retrospective review was conducted of data from 25 patients (26 elbows). Function was assessed using a pain score, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Score, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The patients also underwent a clinical evaluation for measurements of motion range and flexion/extension strength. Position of the humeral and ulnar implants was assessed by computed tomography with reconstruction using OsiriX software. Indices reflecting anterior offset, lateral offset, valgus, height, and rotation were computed by subtracting the ulnar value of each of these variables from the corresponding humeral value. These indices provided a quantitative assessment of whether position errors for the two components had additive effects or, on the contrary, counterbalanced each other. Elbows with prosthetic loosening or extensive epiphyseal destruction were excluded. ResultsOf the 26 elbows, 5 were excluded. In the remaining 21 elbows, the discrepancy between the humeral and ulnar lateral offsets was significantly associated with pain intensity (P ≤ 0.05) and the MEPS (P ≤ 0.05). Anterior position of the ulna relative to the humerus was associated with decreased extension strength (P ≤ 0.05) and worse results for all functional parameters (P ≤ 0.05). DiscussionIn the absence of loosening, positioning errors seem to adversely affect functional outcomes, probably by placing inappropriate stress on the soft tissues. Level of evidenceIII.

Total elbow arthroplasty in bleeding disorders: an additional series of 8 cases

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a surgical option for an arthropathy secondary to a bleeding disorder. The literature consists of small case series. Our series provides further understanding into the outcomes of TEA in this population of patients. Five patients underwent 8 primary TEAs for a bleeding disorder. Average age at time of surgery was 47 years. Four patients had hemophilia type A and 1 had von Willebrand disease. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Follow-up radiographs were evaluated for signs of loosening and infection. Revision surgery was performed in 3 TEAs. Two revisions were performed for aseptic loosening (104 and 118 months postoperatively). The third elbow underwent an excision arthroplasty for a deep infection 44 months postoperatively. Mean follow-up for the primary TEAs still in situ (5 elbows) was 114 months. The mean VAS score improved from 8 to 0 and MEPS from 35 to 95. The mean flexion arc improved from 70° to 100°, and rotation improved from 60° to 160°. Mean follow-up for the revised TEAs (3 elbows) was 94 months. The mean VAS score improved from 7 to 0 and the MEPS from 40 to 85. The mean flexion arc improved from 60° to 95°, and rotation improved from 70° to 160°. Excellent clinical outcomes and an acceptable survival rate for TEAs, comparable with the nonhemorrhagic population, can be achieved in patients with bleeding disorders. Revision arthroplasty in this group of patients yields good clinical outcomes at medium-term follow-up.

Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA)

Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA)

Evaluation of results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty with a Linked Semiconstrained Prosthesis

Introduction: Extremity arthroplasties have been performed for 150 to 200 years, but no arthroplasty has been developed that universally meets the needs of every patient with a disabled elbow joint. Although the frequency of total elbow arthroplasty is much less as compared to hip and knee, it has definitely made an emphatic place for itself in the world of joint replacements. Methods: This is a study of nine patients out of eleven, as two patients were lost to follow up very early in the process. Between August 2004 to August 2014 nine patients were taken up for total elbow replacement for different indications which included neglected supracondylar fractures of the humerus sustained in childhood, rheumatoid arthritis and grossly comminuted fractures, closed and compound, of the distal humerus. Results: Out of the nine patients considered, seven had no pain whereas two patients with a comminuted compound fracture of the lower end of humerus, with one patient in whom myositis was excised, complained of regular pain postoperatively. Conclusion: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the results of the linked prosthesis in total elbow arthroplasty for different indications.

What design and material factors impact the wear and corrosion performance in total elbow arthroplasties?

The survivorship of total elbow arthroplasties is lower than surgeons and patients would like it to be, especially in patients with posttraumatic arthritis of the elbow. To improve durability, it is important to understand the failure modes of existing implants. Total elbow arthroplasties were designed primarily for low-demand rheumatoid patients. As surgical indications have extended to more active patient populations, the mechanical performance of current designs must meet an increased mechanical burden. Evaluating the degree to which they do this will guide conclusions about which contemporary devices might still meet the need and, as importantly, what design and material changes might be needed to improve performance. WHERE ARE WE NOW?: The reasons for failures of total elbow arthroplasties include infection, loosening, polyethylene wear, locking mechanism failure, periprosthetic fracture, implant fracture, and instability. Implant design factors that have influenced wear include implant constraint, material, coatings, and metal backing. Surgical factors associated with increased wear and subsequent total elbow arthroplasty failure include soft tissue balancing and restoration of alignment and implant positioning. WHERE DO WE NEED TO GO?: A clear need exists for improving the performance of total elbow arthroplasty. Many of the failures that have limited the survivorship of elbow arthroplasties thus far are mechanical in nature with wear-related problems a dominating influence. Much of what we know about the results of total elbow arthroplasty is from small studies frequently involving the designer of the implant. The establishment of total elbow arthroplasty registries coupled with the increasing regulatory burden of postmarket surveillance would lead to a better understanding of the complications and survivorship of elbow arthroplasties. Another primary goal must be to achieve a better understanding of the biomechanics of the normal elbow and how the mechanics are altered after the insertion of elbow arthroplasty components. HOW DO WE GET THERE?: Improving the performance and survivorship of total elbow arthroplasty will require the integration of clinical and implant performance data gained through the establishment of registries with a concerted basic science effort to better understand the functional loads across the joint and to incorporate these loads into experimental and computational models to allow assessment of design and material changes intended to improve durability.

SAT0111 Short Term Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty Using Novel Linked Type Prosthesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

BackgroundTotal elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a recognized procedure for painful destructed elbow joint of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The Discovery elbow system is one of the latest linked type elbow...

A 5-22-year follow-up study of stemmed alumina ceramic total elbow arthroplasties with cement fixation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundWe determined mid to long-term results of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) by use of unlinked elbow prostheses with solid alumina ceramic trochleae, and ceramic ulnar stems (stemmed Kyocera type I; SKC-I) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients and methodsFifty-four elbows of 39 patients were available for detailed clinical and radiographic review after a follow-up period of at least 5 years. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 years (range 5-22 years). Clinical condition before and after surgery was assessed by use of a modified version of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS; 0-100 points) and a Japan Orthopaedic Association Elbow score (JOA score; 0-100 points). The radiographs were reviewed and loosening was defined as a progressive radiolucent line >1 mm wide that was completely circumferential around the prosthesis. Clinical records of post-operative events affecting the elbows were used for survival analysis of the prostheses using the Kaplan-Meier method. ResultsThe average modified MEPS and JOA scores improved significantly from 39.7 ± 14.3 to 44.7 ± 9.4, respectively, pre-operatively, to 89.7 ± 15.4 and 83.1 ± 12.8, respectively, post-operatively (P< 0.0001). The functional assessment score also improved from 4.9 ± 2.8 to 8.5 ± 3.3 points (P < 0.0001). With loosening or implant revision defined as end points, the likelihood of survival of the prosthesis for up to 20 years was 92.6 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 85.6-100.0) or 86.3 % (95 % CI 75.0-97.6), respectively. ConclusionSatisfactory clinical results were obtained after TEA using SKC-I prostheses, which provided excellent pain relief and functional range of motion. The results of our study reveal the high reliability over a long period of the cemented SKC-I prosthesis with an alumina ceramic component.

Primary total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures of the distal humerus.

To evaluate short- to medium term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in complex fractures of the distal humerus. A consecutive series of 24 complex distal humerus fractures operated with TEA in the period 2006-2012 was evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS), plain radiographs, complications and overall satisfaction. The indications for surgery were 1: AO type B3 or C3 or Sheffield type 3 fracture and age above 65 or 2: fracture and severe rheumatoid arthritis. Mean follow-up time was 21 mo. Twenty patients were followed up. Four patients, of which 3 had died, were lost to follow up. According to the AO classification there were 17 C3, 1 B2 and 2 A2 fractures. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range 4-54). Mean MEPS was 94 (range 65-100). Mean flexion was 114 degrees (range 80-140). According to MEPS there were 15 excellent, 4 good and 1 fair result. Patient satisfaction: 8 excellent, 10 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. There were two revisions due to infection treated successfully with revision and three months of antibiotics. In two patients the locking split had loosened. One was referred to re-insertion and one chose yearly controls. Two patients had persistent dysaesthesia of their 5th finger, but were able to discriminate between sharp and blunt. Our study suggests that TEA in complex fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients can result in acceptable short- to medium term outcome.