title: Total elbow arthroplasty for distal humeral fractures: indications, surgical approach, technical tips, and outcome.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Amjid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Shantanu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahane
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stanley
mesh_terms: 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