title: Complications of total elbow arthroplasty.
abstract: Modifications in implant design and improvements in surgical technique have expanded the applications of total elbow arthroplasty. Complications associated with reconstructive elbow surgery persist, however, often leading to profound and sometimes nonsalvageable disability. The most recognized complications include implant loosening, periprosthetic fracture, implant failure, infection, triceps insufficiency, and nerve palsy. Although far fewer elbow arthroplasties than lower extremity arthroplasties are performed, the proportion of complications is greater with elbow arthroplasty, and the outcomes of secondary reconstruction are less favorable.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Combined Orhtopaedics Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Jaehon M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Chaitanya S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Mudgal
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Konopka
authors.forename: Jesse B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Jupiter
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D057068:Periprosthetic Fractures; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D020425:Radial Neuropathy / Q000209:etiology; D020424:Ulnar Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology