Clin Should Elbow.  2011 Jun;14(1):146-152.

Outcomes and Complications of Total Elbow Arthroplasty

• Park MJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
To describe the recent clinical results and complications of total elbow arthroplasty based on the literature review.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The indications of total elbow arthroplasty include rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, anklylosed elbow, tumor resection which cannot recover elbow function by other reconstructive procedures, and comminuted distal humerus fracture in elderly patients. Complications are aspetic loosening, infection, prosthesis fracture, periprosthetic fracture, ulnar neuropathy, ectopic ossification, triceps insufficiency, dislocation, and bushing wear.
RESULTS
AND CONCLUSION: Mean 10 year survival rate following total elbow arthroplasty has been reported 85% on the basis of revision. The prognosis in patients with an inflammatory arthritis is reported to be best, and loosening rate in patients with a posttraumatic arthritis tends to be high. Complication rate is known to be higher than that of other joint arthroplasty. In particular, deep infection occurs in 3~5% of the patients. Total elbow arthroplasty provide satisfactory results when it is performed properly in selected patients who have an elbow joint with irreversible dysfunction and low level activities.

MeSH Terms

Aged
Arthritis
Arthroplasty
Dislocations
Elbow
Elbow Joint
Humans
Humerus
Joints
Ossification, Heterotopic
Periprosthetic Fractures
Prognosis
Prostheses and Implants
Survival Rate
Ulnar Neuropathies