Total Elbow Arthroplasty In Patients Research Articles

Total Elbow Arthroplasty Follow Up 10 Years in Rheumatoid Arthritis, A Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis and affects about 1% of adults. It is characterized by progressive, symmetrical arthritis involving many joints, most commonly the knee, wrist and interphalangeal joints. The elbow is affected in between 20% and 65% of patients, often causing severe painful disability. In patients with severe arthritis, many forms of treatment are available to relieve pain and improve function. Total elbow arthroplasty is commonly performed for end-stage arthritis. However, Total elbow arthroplasty has inferior implant survival and higher complication rates compared with arthroplasties of other major joints. This is usually thought to be due to the high risks associated with Rheumatoid arthritis and the complex anatomy of the elbow joint. Aim of the Work The aims of this study were to report on the long term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to identify factors that affect the outcome patients satisfaction. Patients and Methods We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, and Embase from between January 2005 and March 2020. The primary aim was to determine the implant failure rate, the mode of failure, and risk factors predisposing to failure. A secondary aim is to identify the overall complication rate, associated risk factors and clinical performance. A meta- regression analysis completed to identify the association between each parameter with the outcome. The initial literature search resulted in 4776 studies, with 4665 duplicates subsequently removed. The remaining 111 studies were screened using our exclusion criteria. Following application of our exclusion criteria, the full texts of 111 studies were thereafter evaluated with our inclusion criteria to screen for eligibility. Overall, 13 clinical studies including 349 elbows were included in this study Results According to the movement degree, flexion was recorded in 5 studies with 229 elbows and it was found that there was a significant difference in pre and post-operative groups (p < 0.001, I2 = 90%). Extension was recorded in 5 articles with 229 elbows. It was found that there was no significant difference in pre and post-operative groups (p = 0.12, I2 = 53%). Supination was recorded in 5 articles with 229 elbows. It was found that there was a significant difference in pre and post-operative groups (p = 0.008, I2 = 79%). Pronation was recorded in 5 papers with 209 elbows. It was found that there was a significant difference in pre and post-operative groups (p = 0.003, I2 = 83%). Conclusion Although elbow replacement is performed far less frequently than hip, knee, or shoulder replacement, its use is increasing and information for patients and clinicians on the longevity of implants and impact on quality of life is vital. Patients experienced a sustained improvement in pain and function for the 10 years following surgery.

Long-term outcomes of Kudo type-5 unlinked surface-replacing total elbow arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis: a 15-year average follow-up study

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has been used for various conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While the Kudo TEA has been associated with favorable short-term outcomes, there is limited information on the longer term outcomes of this device. The aim of this study was to investigate the average 15-year outcome of Kudo type-5 TEA in patients with RA. For this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 29 elbows in 28 patients (Larsen grade III, n=8; IV, n=19; V, n=2) with RA who underwent Kudo type-5 TEA between 1999 and 2010. The patients were followed up for a mean of 15 (range: 10-21) years. We investigated the survival with setting revision/removal as the endpoints. The risk factors for revision/loosening were assessed. There was a significant improvement in elbow flexion after Kudo TEA. Preoperative and postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved significantly from 60.3 to 94.7. Complications included intraoperative medial humeral epicondyle fracture (n=2), postoperative dislocations (n=4), deep infections (n=1), and persistent ulnar nerve neuropathy (n=1). Aseptic loosening was observed in 7 elbows (24.1%; humerus, n=3; ulna, n=3; both sides, n=1). The causes of the 5 revisions were postoperative dislocation (n=1), deep infection (n=1), aseptic loosening of the humerus (n=2), and aseptic loosening of the ulna (n=1). All 5 elbows underwent revision of the ulnar component (n=2) or the linked TEA (n=3). The survival rate was 81% at 15years after surgery with setting revision/removal as the endpoints. A deviation of ulnar component insertion angle of over 5° in any plane was associated with more revision compared to those with accurately placed implants. The Kudo type-5 elbow showed good results for up to 15years of follow-up. However, excessive deviation of insertion angle of the ulnar component (over 5°) was associated with more revision. Due to the small sample size, robust statistical analysis of risk factors for postoperative complications or revision could not be performed, and further research is warranted to resolve this limitation.

Prevalence of wound infections and postoperative complications after total elbow arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis.

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence of surgical site wound infections and postoperative complications after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for clinical research and application. Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang databases were electronically searched to collect clinical studies on the application of TEA in the treatment of RA from inception to August 2023. Two independent researchers performed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. A meta-analysis was performed using the R 4.3.1 software. Overall, 26 studies with a total of 2374 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that after TEA in patients with RA, the prevalence of surgical site wound infections and postoperative complications was 3.37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.68%-4.13%), and 31.63% (95% CI: 24.97%-38.28%), respectively. The prevalence of surgical site wound infections is low, whereas that of postoperative complications is high; thus, the safety of TEA remains debatable. Owing to limitations on the quality and number of included studies, the findings need to be verified in higher-quality studies.

Trends in Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Therapy based on Payer Status.

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is often utilized to manage advanced arthropathies of the elbow secondary to inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent literature has shown that utilization of TEA is decreasing in patients with RA, part of which can be attributed to early medical management involving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, there is a significant economic barrier to accessing DMARD therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare the utilization of TEA between patients with and without DMARD therapy from 2010-2020. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using a national insurance claim database to investigate the trends of patients with RA undergoing TEA from 2010-2020. Patients who underwent TEA and had a diagnosis of RA were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Disease (ICD) 9 and ICD-10 codes between 2010- 2020. These patients were then stratified into two cohorts: those with DMARDs prescription claims and those without. A linear regression, CAGR analysis, and chi-square analysis were conducted to compare trends and demographic variables, including insurance type, between cohorts. Additionally, a multivariable logistic regression was subsequently performed to observe odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (%). From 2010-2020 there has been no significant change in the incidence of TEA in RA patients without DMARD prescriptions, while there has been a statistically significant decreasing rate of TEA observed in RA patients with DMARD prescription claims. The analysis showed there was a CAGR of - 4%. For patients with a diagnosis of RA and DMARDs prescription claims, the highest incidence of undergoing TEA was seen in the age group of 60-69 while patients with a diagnosis of RA and no DMARDs prescription claims, had the highest incidence of undergoing TEA in the age group of 70-79. The incidence of patients undergoing TEA with a diagnosis of RA and DMARD prescription claims has shown a statistically significant decrease from 2010 to 2020, while no significant difference was observed for patients without DMARD prescription claims. There were no statistically significant differences in the insurance plans between cohorts.

Safety of total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and prior hip or knee periprosthetic joint infection

BackgroundThe volumes of upper and lower extremity arthroplasty are increasing. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after TEA remains a substantial cause of morbidity, with certain studies reporting primary total elbow arthroplasties (TEA) PJI rates over 10%. The odds ratio for hip and knee PJI after previous hip or knee PJI is 3 times, and it rises to 15 times for patients on chronic suppressive antibiotics. The risk of PJI for primary TEA in patients with a history of lower extremity PJI is unknown. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to compare the incidence of PJI after primary TEA in patients with a history of lower extremity PJI in a case-control study. MethodsOur institutional joint registry database was queried to identify all patients who underwent primary TEA and had previously undergone treatment for lower extremity PJI between 1974 and 2021. Twelve elbows (10 patients) with a mean follow-up of 8.2 years were identified. There were 9 female elbows (75%) and 3 male elbows (25%) with a mean age of 63 years (range,44-78 years), and all patients had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. This cohort was 1:7 matched (age, sex, side, indication, and surgical year) to 84 elbows (83 patients) with no history of lower extremity PJI. There were no statistically significant differences between the cohorts with regard to body mass index or operative time. Survivorship analysis free of TEA PJI with death as a competing risk was calculated. ResultsNone of the 12 TEA included in the study group developed PJI. The cumulative incidence of PJI in the matched cohort at 10 years was 6.4% (5 elbows). There was 1 superficial infection in the study group (9.1%) and 5 (5.8%) in the matched cohort. In the study group, 2 elbows underwent revision and 4 underwent reoperation. Eight elbows in the matched cohort underwent revision and 23 underwent reoperation. The study cohort was associated with higher risk of revision and reoperation for any cause, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionIn this relatively small case control study, there was no incidence of PJI in patients who underwent primary TEA for rheumatoid arthritis and had previously undergone treatment for lower extremity PJI. The cumulative incidence of PJI in the matched cohort at 10 years was 6.4%. Although underpowered to make firm conclusions, it does draw from a very large population of patients and did not reveal an association between infection after TEA and a prior history of lower extremity PJI.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON INTERNAL FIXATION WITH AN ORTHOGONAL LOCKING PLATE AND OPEN REDUCTION OF AN INTRA-ARTICULAR DISTAL HUMERUS FRACTURE

Background: Surgery for intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be difficult. Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treating elderly patients is still up for debate. In order to compare ORIF with TEA for treating intra-articular distal humerus fractures in patients, this study compared the clinical and functional results. Methods: Between one and half years at Sri Krishna Medical College Hospital, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India, 70 willing patients with intra-articular distal humeral fractures who underwent osteosynthesis by orthogonal locking compression plating using posterior approach with olecranon osteotomy participated in a prospective study. Results: With a mean age of 38.5 years, our study included 38 male patients and 32 female patients. A motor vehicle collision accounted for 65.2% of instances, an accidental fall accounted for 21.7%, and a fall from height accounted for 13%, with the right side being more frequently afflicted (73.9%). The average operation lasted 100 minutes. Following surgery, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 83.3 percent, and the mean arc of mobility was 117°. 82% of cases had excellent to good outcomes. Conclusions: ORIF demonstrated superior results to TEA in patients with intra-articular distal humerus fracture.

Identification of Independent Predictors of Increased 90-Day Complication and Revision Rates Following Total Elbow Arthroplasty.

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an increasingly popular surgical option for many debilitating conditions of the elbow. There currently exists a paucity of literature regarding patient and hospital factors that lead to inferior outcomes following TEA. The purpose of this study is to identify independent predictors of increased complication and revision rates following TEA. The National Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried from 2011 to 2018 to identify all cases of TEA (n = 8932). Relevant patient demographic factors, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics were identified and run in a univariate binomial logistic regression model. All significant variables were included in a multivariate binomial logistic regression model for data analysis. Independent predictors of increased complication rates included age, female sex, Medicare and Medicaid payer status, medium bed-sized center, and 18 of 34 medical comorbidities (all P < .05). Independent predictors of increased revision rates included medium bed-sized centers, non-teaching hospital status, chronic pulmonary disease, depression, and pulmonary circulatory disorders (all P < .05). This study identified several patient and hospital characteristics that are independently associated with both increased complication and revision rates following TEA. This information can aid orthopedic surgeons during shared decision making when considering TEA in patients. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Utilization, Complications, and Costs of Inpatient versus Outpatient Total Elbow Arthroplasty.

Although total hip and knee arthroplasty have largely moved to the outpatient setting, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) remains a predominantly inpatient procedure. Currently, evidence on the safety and potential cost savings of outpatient TEA is limited. Therefore, we aimed to compare the costs and complications associated with performing TEA in the inpatient versus outpatient setting. We identified patients who received elective TEA using the Truven Health MarketScan database. Outcomes of interest were 90-day complication rate, readmission rate, and procedure costs in the inpatient and outpatient settings. We used propensity score matching and logistic regression analysis to assess how patient comorbidities and surgical setting influenced complications and readmission rates. The median cost per patient was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. We identified 307 outpatient and 414 inpatient TEA procedures over a 9-year period. Elixhauser comorbidity scores were higher for the inpatient cohort. The incidence of surgical complications was significantly higher in the inpatient than the outpatient cohort (27% vs 9%). The odds of 90-day readmissions were similar in the 2 groups (37% vs 25%). In terms of cost, the median inpatient TEA was more expensive than outpatient TEA ($26 817 vs $18 412). However, the median cost for occupational therapy within 90 days of surgery was higher for outpatient TEA patients ($687 vs $571). The results of this study demonstrate that surgeons can consider a transition toward outpatient TEA for patients without significant comorbidities, as this will substantially reduce health care costs.

A New Posterior Triceps Approach for Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients with Osteoarthritis Secondary to Fracture: Clinical Experience

We describe a novel triceps exposure approach for TEA, the anconeus-triceps lateral flap, which has proved valuable in patients with distal humeral and olecranon fractures malunion, and its preliminary results at a minimum follow-up of 24 months.

Total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The aims of this study were to validate the outcome of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to identify factors that affect the outcome. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, and Embase from between January 2003 and March 2019. The primary aim was to determine the implant failure rate, the mode of failure, and risk factors predisposing to failure. A secondary aim was to identify the overall complication rate, associated risk factors, and clinical performance. A meta-regression analysis was completed to identify the association between each parameter with the outcome. A total of 38 studies including 2,118 TEAs were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 80.9 months (8.2 to 156). The implant failure and complication rates were 16.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.128 to 0.200) and 24.5% (95% CI 0.203 to 0.293), respectively. Aseptic loosening was the most common mode of failure (9.5%; 95% CI 0.071 to 0.124). The mean postoperative ranges of motion (ROMs) were: flexion 131.5° (124.2° to 138.8°), extension 29.3° (26.8° to 31.9°), pronation 74.0° (67.8° to 80.2°), and supination 72.5° (69.5° to 75.5°), and the mean postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 89.3 (95% CI 86.9 to 91.6). The meta-regression analysis identified that younger patients and implants with an unlinked design correlated with higher failure rates. Younger patients were associated with increased complications, while female patients and an unlinked prosthesis were associated with aseptic loosening. TEA continues to provide satisfactory results for patients with RA. However, it is associated with a substantially higher implant failure and complication rates compared with hip and knee arthroplasties. The patient's age, sex, and whether cemented fixation and unlinked prosthesis were used can influence the outcome. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):967-980.

Primary Linked Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Acute Distal Humerus Fracture Management: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcome.

BackgroudThe treatment of distal humerus fractures is often challenging in osteoporotic elderly patients. Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a salvage option for non-reconstructable fractures. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the clinical evidence for primary TEA in patients with acute distal humeral fractures.MethodsLiteratures were searched through PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Embase databases with the keywords, “distal humerus fracture,” “total elbow arthroplasty,” and “outcome” according to the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) index for English-language studies published from April 2009 to April 2019. We performed a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.ResultsTen articles with a total of 269 patients were included in the review. The Bryan-Morrey approach was the most common surgical approach (33.7%) with triceps reflecting (42%) for triceps tendon management. The most common implant design used was the Coonrad-Morrey system (83%). The mean postoperative motion arc was 102.3° for flexion-extension and 145.8° for pronation-supination. The average functional outcome score was 89.5 with Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). An excellent MEPS was found in studies with less than 7 days of average time from injury to surgery. The overall complication rate was 21.5%.ConclusionsThe current review showed favorable outcome of primary linked TEA for acute distal humerus fractures. Despite the promising functional outcomes, the complication rate was still considerably high. This systematic review will give surgeons help in explaining to patients regarding the expected outcome after primary TEA for acute distal humerus fractures.

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

Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasty for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 54 prostheses reviewed at 7 years' average follow-up (maximum, 16 years)

Total elbow arthroplasty is a therapeutic option for severe rheumatoid arthritis. We hypothesized that the semiconstrained characteristics of the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis do not compromise the survival rate of the implant in a rheumatoid elbow. Between 1997 and 2012, there were 54 Coonrad-Morrey total elbow prostheses performed for rheumatoid arthritis in 46 patients. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. There were 35 women and 11 men with a mean age of 60 years (29-83 years). According to the Mayo classification for rheumatoid elbow, there were 30 type IIIA, 21 type IIIB, and 3 type IV. The surgical procedure was the same for all patients. Survivorship was assessed with use of the Kaplan-Meier method, with revision surgery as the end point. The survival rate was 97% (95% confidence interval, 83.6-99.6) at 5 years and 85% (95% confidence interval, 68.3-93.7) at 10 years. At an average of 7 years of follow-up (2-16 years), the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 91 points (55-100 points), and the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 34 points (0-75 points). There was a significant improvement in Mayo Elbow Performance Score and in all range of motion at latest follow-up in comparison to preoperative values (P < .0001). Radiolucencies were observed in 6 cases around the humeral component and in 6 cases around the ulnar component. Bushing wear was observed in 16 cases (29%). There were 14 complications (26%). Revisions were performed in 6 of them (11%). The Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis provides satisfactory results with follow-up. The rate of complications remains high even if the rate of implant revision stayed low.

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.

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.

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

A new posterior triceps approach for total elbow arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis secondary to fracture: preliminary clinical experience

During the past decade, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) procedures have increased because of an increase in the number of trauma patients. Even though most current posterior approaches to the elbow provide excellent joint exposure, they involve the risk of extensor mechanism injury and of eventual insufficiency, particularly in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to fracture. I describe a new triceps exposure approach for TEA, the anconeus-triceps lateral flap, which has proved valuable in patients with distal humeral and olecranon fracture malunion, and its preliminary results at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Twenty consecutive patients with OA due to distal humeral and olecranon fracture malunion underwent TEA by the anconeus-triceps lateral flap approach, which preserves the olecranon insertion of the medial portion of the triceps proper tendon. At a mean follow-up of 33 months, the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score rose from 41.3 to 94.3. The mean pain score on the visual analog scale fell from 7.1 to 1.1. There were no patients with insufficiency, secondary detachment of the triceps tendon, or grade 4 to 5 of the Medical Research Council scale. These preliminary data suggest that preservation of the insertion of the medial portion of the triceps proper tendon enables earlier active rehabilitation. Moreover, the new approach provides optimum exposure of the olecranon also in patients with OA secondary to intra-articular fracture of the distal humerus and olecranon, where scarring and bone deformity usually hamper joint exposure.

Mid Term Clinical Result of Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients 45 Years of Age or Less

Mid Term Clinical Result of Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients 45 Years of Age or Less

Filling of Antibiotic-loaded Acrylic Cement for Retention Treatment of Infected Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; A Report of Two Cases

Filling of Antibiotic-loaded Acrylic Cement for Retention Treatment of Infected Total Elbow Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; A Report of Two Cases

Articular Fractures in the Elderly: to Fix or to Replace? - Distal Humerus

Distal humeral fractures in adults are rare. They are routinely treated by open reduction and internal fixation in an attempt to retain a painless, stable and functional joint. However, even with advances in plate technology, the results of fixation still depend on screw purchase and bone quality. Even if functional results appear to be favourable, complication rates remain quite high. This is particularly true in elderly patients, in whom multifragmentary intraarticular fractures are mostly associated with diminished bone quality. Recent results support the use of primary total elbow arthroplasty in patients with highly comminuted distal humeral fractures. This applies particularly to the elderly with low physical demands, or patients with marked joint destruction from significant preexisting inflammatory joint disease. Although short term results seem to be promising, the intermediate and long term data are still inadequate. There is indeed evidence for a dramatic increase in complications and revision rates over time. Lifelong weight restriction is a major drawback in total elbow arthroplasty. It is unclear whether the primary treatment of distal humeral fractures in the elderly should be open reduction and internal fixation or total elbow arthroplasty. The operation should be selected for the individual patient on the basis of the surgeon's experience and judgment as well possible contraindications. The surgeon should discuss the question openly with the patient.