Total elbow arthroplasty in the reconstruction after resection of tumors at the elbow / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the complications of the total elbow arthroplasty after the resection of the peri-elbow tumor. Methods Between June 1998 and June 2002, eight patients underwent total elbow arthroplasty after resection of tumors, which involved 7 males and 1 female (mean age, 42.6 years; range, 22-63 years). The patients included 1 metastasis, 1 GCT, 2 MFH, 1 osteosarcoma, 1 lymphoma, 1 desmoid fibroma, and 1 synovial sarcoma. The tumors located 3 in distal humerus, and 5 in proximal ulna. For those of the distal humerus, after the resection of the tumors, the origins and the insertions of the musculi flexors, extensor, pronators and supinators were repaired as far as possible. The application of the prothesis was relatively simple, the prosthetic stem of the distal humerus was cemented, the intercondylar notch was sawn off, but both the lateral and medial epicondyles were kept, the prothesis impacted in the notch; While for those tumors located on the proximal ulna, the stem was spiraled in the intramedullary cavity, Patients were evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Results All the patients were followed up at least one year or to death (mean duration, 2.5 years). Pain scores decreased from a mean of 3.6 to 2.0. Mean elbow motion from extention to flexision arc improved from 29? to 73? (range, 55?-105?). Seven cases were excellent or good (87.5%), and only one was poor (12.5%). There were none of the complications, such as infection, incision non-union and nerve injury. All patients without local recurrence as well. The X-ray didn't reveal any sign of loosening or breakage for the artificial elbow joint. Conclusion Total elbow arthroplasty after resection of tumors can decrease the pain and improve the function substantially. For metastatic tumors, this technique can be also used to alleviate symptom if there is no other good option.