Total Elbow Arthroplasty In Patients Research Articles

Total elbow arthroplasty for flail and unstable elbows

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.

Results of the Souter-Strathclyde total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A preliminary report

The results of 19 consecutive Souter-Strathclyde total elbow arthroplasties (Zimmer, London) in 17 patients with a mean follow-up time of 41 months are reported. Pain relief was achieved in all cases, with 13 elbows becoming entirely painfree. The mean range of flexion increased 24° and extension improved 8°, with upper limb function greatly improved. The complication rate was 32%, including three nerve palsies, of which two resolved completely, and three early postoperative dislocations. There were two cases of prosthetic loosening, one following revision surgery for a traumatic humeral fracture in the early postoperative period. The authors consider the overall functional results with the Souter-Strathclyde prosthesis to be satisfactory in this group of patients.

Total elbow joint arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

As a result of better patient selection, implant design, and surgical technique, the long-term results of total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has improved significantly over the past 10 years. The semiconstrained hinge implant is used in the presence of severe bone and ligament destruction. The nonconstrained surface replacement requires intact bone and ligamentous supports. Best results are obtained if surgery is undertaken before severe soft tissue contractures, muscle atrophy, and neurologic disability of the involved extremity develop.