Long-term results with the Kudo type 3 total elbow arthroplasty.
From 1992 to 1993, 17 elbows were replaced with the unlinked Kudo type 3 total elbow arthroplasty in 16 patients with arthritic joint destruction. Of these elbows, 8 were available for clinical examination after a mean of 9.5 years. Of the 17 elbow implants, 5 were revised: 2 because of loosening of the ulnar component, 1 because of dislocation, 1 because of a periprosthetic fracture, and 1 because of a late deep infection. At 9.5 years' follow-up, 67.9% of the prostheses had survived, and the mean survival of the implant was 8.7 years (95% confidence interval, 7.5-10 years). In this study, we observed high rates of progressive valgus tilting of the ulnar component. This valgus tilting is of major concern because it provides more stress to a smaller area on the polyethylene. It may, therefore, cause an increased degree of polyethylene wear and, thereby, reduce the final implant survival rate.
Thillemann
Theis Muncholm
TM
Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Olsen
Bo Sanderhoff
BS
Johannsen
Hans Viggo
HV
Søjbjerg
Jens Ole
JO
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery*; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors