[Clinical outcomes of total elbow replacement in the treatment of complex distal humeral fractures].
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the efficacy of total elbow replacement in the treatment of complex distal humeral fractures.


METHODS
From May 2005 to October 2008 12 patients were retrospectively studied who were diagnosed complex fractures of the distal humerus and treated by total elbow replacement (Coonrad-Marrey). The mean age was 60 years old, the mean follow-up time was 12 months. According to AO classification, there was 3 C2 and 9 C3. The study included: pain evaluation, range of motion, elbow stability, muscle strength, complications, Mayo elbow score, DASH score, radiological assessment of ectopic bone formation and loosening.


RESULTS
Two cases with mild pain. The mean flexion is 98.3 degrees, extension limit is 17.9 degrees, mean pronation is 82.9 degrees and supination is 70.8 degrees. All joints were stable postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the outcome. There was 1 case of superficial soft tissue nonhealing and 2 cases of ulnar nerve symptoms. No ectopic bone formation or loosening was found. Mayo elbow score was 3 cases of excellent and 9 cases of good. The mean DASH score was 41.3.


CONCLUSIONS
Total elbow replacement can be used in such conditions as severe osteoporosis, severe comminution that internal plates can not get stable fixation, severe cartilage damage (because of fracture or inflammatory arthritis) that indicate traumatic or inflammatory arthritis.
Jiang
Bao-guo
BG
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China. jiangbaoguo@vip.sina.com
Chen
Jian-hai
JH
Zhang
Pei-xun
PX
Zhang
Dian-ying
DY
Fu
Zhong-guo
ZG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D057929:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Elbow; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome