Outcomes and Complications of Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Park,  Min Jong

doi:2011.14.1.146

Clin Shoulder Elb > Volume 14(1); 2011 > Article

Review

Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow 2011;14(1):146-152.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5397/CiSE.2011.14.1.146 Published online June 30, 2011.

Outcomes and Complications of Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Min Jong Park

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. mjp3506@skku.edu

주관절 치환술의 임상 결과와 합병증

박 민 종

성균관의대 삼성서울병원

Abstract

PURPOSE
To describe the recent clinical results and complications of total elbow arthroplasty based on the literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The indications of total elbow arthroplasty include rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, anklylosed elbow, tumor resection which cannot recover elbow function by other reconstructive procedures, and comminuted distal humerus fracture in elderly patients. Complications are aspetic loosening, infection, prosthesis fracture, periprosthetic fracture, ulnar neuropathy, ectopic ossification, triceps insufficiency, dislocation, and bushing wear.
RESULTS
AND CONCLUSION: Mean 10 year survival rate following total elbow arthroplasty has been reported 85% on the basis of revision. The prognosis in patients with an inflammatory arthritis is reported to be best, and loosening rate in patients with a posttraumatic arthritis tends to be high. Complication rate is known to be higher than that of other joint arthroplasty. In particular, deep infection occurs in 3~5% of the patients. Total elbow arthroplasty provide satisfactory results when it is performed properly in selected patients who have an elbow joint with irreversible dysfunction and low level activities.

Key Words: Elbow joint; Total joint arthroplasty; Complication