title: Stability of the unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis: a biomechanical in vitro analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to assess the valgus and varus laxity of the unlinked version of the Latitude total elbow prosthesis and the effects of radial head preservation or replacement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Biomechanical analysis of the valgus and varus laxity of the unlinked Latitude was performed in fourteen upper limb specimens in the following conditions: (1) native elbow, (2) native elbow after the surgical approach and closing all layers again, (3) elbow with humeral and ulnar component implanted, unlinked, with the native radial head preserved, (4) elbow with humeral and ulnar component implanted, unlinked, with the native radial excised, (5) elbow with humeral, ulnar, and radial head component implanted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After implantation of the Latitude total elbow prosthesis both the valgus and varus laxity slightly increase from mid to maximal flexion when compared to the native elbow after surgical approach. The unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis provides both valgus and varus stability in elbows with intact ligamentous constraints. With intact ligamentous constraints the radial head component only slightly contributes to the stability of the elbow after implantation of the unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The unlinked Latitude total elbow prosthesis provides both valgus and varus stability in elbows with intact ligamentous constraints. The radial head component contributes only slightly to the stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, St. Radboud University Hospital, Pb 9101, 6500HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. mlwagener@gmail.com
authors.forename: Marc L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wagener
authors.forename: Maarten J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: De Vos
authors.forename: Jan C M
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hendriks
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Eygendaal
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Verdonschot
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D058569:Elbow Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D011884:Radius / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012399:Rotation; D014457:Ulna / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery