title: Total elbow arthroplasty for distal humerus fractures.
abstract: Total elbow arthroplasty has become increasingly popular for the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly patients with poor bone quality, comminution, and/or pre-existent elbow abnormalities. The procedure is performed without violating the extensor mechanism; the fractured fragments are exposed and resected on both sides of the triceps, and the components can be implanted through the same exposure. Early outcomes are satisfactory in most elbows and compare favorably with internal fixation in this same group of elderly patients. Advances in elbow arthroplasty for fractures will likely combine refinement of the indications and development of implants with lower rates of failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Lori J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: DeSimone
authors.forename: Joaquin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sanchez-Sotelo
mesh_terms: D057929:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Elbow; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Arthroplasty; Distal humerus fracture; Elbow; Joint replacement