title: Mechanical failure of the Coonrad-Morrey linked total elbow arthroplasty: A case report.
abstract: Semiconstrained (linked design) total elbow arthroplasty is indicated in a wide variety of cases. Long-term survival is better than with non-linked prostheses. However, mechanical failure of the hinge mechanism is a complication that may occur during follow-up. We report a case of failure of the axle assembly of a Coonrad-Morrey elbow prosthesis 8 years after implantation for nonunion of a supracondylar distal humerus fracture. Initial revision surgery included changing the axle and the polyethylene bushings. Revision surgery was necessary 1 year later when the axle failed again. A custom-designed locking axle had to be used to stabilize the hinge mechanism. After 3 years follow-up, the hinge was intact, there was no loosening of the components and function of the elbow was good.
authors.affiliation: Institut de l'appareil locomoteur du CHU de Toulouse, Département d'Orthopédie et traumatologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France.
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Pham
authors.affiliation: Institut de l'appareil locomoteur du CHU de Toulouse, Département d'Orthopédie et traumatologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bonnevialle
authors.affiliation: Institut de l'appareil locomoteur du CHU de Toulouse, Département d'Orthopédie et traumatologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rongières
authors.affiliation: Institut de l'appareil locomoteur du CHU de Toulouse, Département d'Orthopédie et traumatologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bonnevialle
authors.affiliation: Institut de l'appareil locomoteur du CHU de Toulouse, Département d'Orthopédie et traumatologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France. Electronic address: mansat.p@chu-toulouse.fr.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mansat
mesh_terms: D057929:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Elbow / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004550:Elbow; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D058569:Elbow Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
keywords: Axle mechanism; Elbow; Hinge; Polyethylene wear; Prosthesis; Revision surgery