title: Comparison of short- to medium-term results of Coonrad-Morrey elbow replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus patients after elbow injuries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the Coonrad-Morrey elbow prosthesis in patients with severe elbow dysfunction secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or post-traumatic elbow dysfunction.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved 35 patients followed up for a mean of 36 months. The patients were divided into those with RA (Group I) and those with post-traumatic elbow dysfunction (Group II). Treatment outcomes were evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (Quick DASH).
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the MEPS, there were 20 (57.15%) excellent, 12 (34.3%) good, 1 (2.85%) fair, and 2 (5.7%) poor outcomes. The mean post-operative Quick-DASH score for the entire study group was 37.73 points. In subgroup analysis, the MEPS-based evaluation revealed: 14 (70%) excellent, 5 (25%) good, and 1 (5%) satisfactory outcome in Group I, versus 6 (40%) excellent, 7 (46.7%) good, and 2 (13.3%) poor outcomes in Group II. The mean Quick Dash scores were 78.64 points in Group I and 76.36 points in Group II. The final MEPS scores in Group I (p=0.000018) and Group II (p=0.00065) were most markedly influenced by reduction in elbow pain and improvement in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL): p=0.000018 in Group I and p=0.000713 in Group II.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The treatment outcomes confirm the utility of arthroplasty for severe elbow dysfunctions; they were most strongly influenced by pain reduction and improved ability to perform activities of daily living.
authors.affiliation: District Hospital of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Department of Hand Surgery, Piekary Slaskie, Poland.
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Szyluk
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Widuchowski
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jasiński
authors.forename: Bogdan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Koczy
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Widuchowski