Total elbow arthroplasty for distal humeral fractures: indications, surgical approach, technical tips, and outcome.
BACKGROUND
Twenty-six consecutive total elbow arthroplasties were performed for comminuted distal humeral fractures between 1995 and 2002. At review, 3 patients had died from unrelated causes, 2 had been lost to follow-up, and 1 could not be assessed due to dementia. The mean age of the remaining 20 patients was 72 years (range, 62-92). There were 4 men and 16 women.


METHODS
The mean follow-up was 63.2 months (range, 36-108). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 92 (75-100) with a mean flexion arc of 27 degrees - 125 degrees .


RESULTS
One patient had a postoperative superficial infection, which required a course of antibiotic therapy, and 1 patient who had a radial nerve neuropraxia recovered spontaneously after 6 weeks. Radiographs showed 19 implants were well fixed with no evidence of loosening, while 1 patient had a nonprogressive radio-lucent line on the ulna side of the prosthesis. Additionally, 2 patients developed heterotopic ossification without identifying pre-disposing factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Total elbow arthroplasty for distal humeral fractures in elderly patients without inflammatory arthritis can be expected to five good results at a mean follow-up of 5 years.
Ali
Amjid
A
Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Shahane
Shantanu
S
Stanley
David
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000379:methods*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care