Revision Total Elbow Arthroplasty with the Semiconstrained Coonrad/Morrey Prosthesis: Follow-up to 21 Years.

BACKGROUND: Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has increased, especially in young patients with high functional expectations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of revision TEA with a single semiconstrained prosthesis. METHODS: Thirty-four revision TEAs were performed with a Coonrad/Morrey prosthesis in 32 patients; 2 patients had bilateral procedures. The mean patient age was 61 years (range, 22 to 76 years), and the revision TEA was performed at a mean time of 7.8 years (range, 1.6 to 21 years) after the primary TEA. Etiologies for revisions were humeral and ulnar aseptic loosening (n = 14), ulnar aseptic loosening (n = 8), humeral aseptic loosening (n = 6), septic arthritis (n = 4), and unstable unlinked prostheses (n = 2). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed with systematic preoperative infection workup and quantification of bone loss. The mean follow-up was 11.4 years (range, 2 to 21 years). RESULTS: The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at the last follow-up was excellent in 6 cases, good in 18 cases, fair in 8 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with a mean improvement (and standard deviation) between the preoperative values at 42.4 ± 16.1 points and the postoperative values at 81.8 ± 12 points (p < 0.001). The mean pain scores improved significantly from 6.7 ± 1.3 points preoperatively to 1.4 ± 1.4 points postoperatively (p < 0.001). The flexion-extension arc increased significantly (p = 0.02) from 74° ± 27° preoperatively to 100° ± 31° postoperatively. The total number of complications was 29 in 19 revision TEAs (56%). Twenty of the 29 complications simply required monitoring without surgical intervention. Six repeat surgical procedures were required, and 3 implant revisions (9%) were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Revision TEA with a semiconstrained prosthesis can provide good clinical results that can be maintained during follow-up. The rate of complications is high. Proper evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio is essential for each revision TEA and should be discussed with the patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk Factors for Revision Surgery Following Radial Head Arthroplasty without Cement for Unreconstructible Radial Head Fractures: Minimum 3-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Revision rates following radial head arthroplasty (RHA) for unreconstructible radial head fractures (RHFs) differ vastly in the literature, and little is known about the risk factors that are associated with revision surgery. The purposes of this study were to assess the revision rate following RHA and to determine the associated risk factors. METHODS: A total of 122 patients (mean age, 50.7 years; range, 18 to 79 years) with 123 RHAs who underwent RHA for unreconstructible RHFs between 1994 and 2014 and were ≥3 years out from surgery were included. Demographic variables, injury and procedure-related characteristics, radiographic findings, complications, and revision procedures were assessed. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors that were associated with revision surgery following RHA. RESULTS: The median follow-up for the study cohort was 7.3 years (interquartile range [IQR], 5.1 to 10.1 years). All of the patients had unreconstructible RHFs: Mason-Johnston type-IV injuries were the most prevalent (80 [65%]). One or more associated osseous or ligamentous injuries were seen in 89 elbows (72.4%). The median time to surgery was 7 days (IQR, 3 to 11 days). Implanted prostheses were categorized as rigidly fixed (65 [52.8%]) or loosely fixed (58 [47.2%]). A total of 28 elbows (22.8%) underwent revision surgery at a median of 1.1 years (IQR, 0.3 to 3.8 years), with the majority of elbows (17 [60.7%]) undergoing revision surgery within the first 2 years. The most common reason for revision surgery was painful implant loosening (14 [29.2% of 48 complications]). Univariate Cox regression suggested that Workers' Compensation claims (hazard ratio [HR], 5.48; p < 0.001) and the use of an external fixator (HR, 4.67; p = 0.007) were significantly associated with revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Revision rates following RHA for unreconstructible RHFs are high; the most common cause for revision surgery is painful implant loosening. Revision surgeries are predominantly performed within the first 2 years after implantation, and surgeons should be aware that Workers' Compensation claims and the use of an external fixator in management of the elbow injury are associated with revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Novel exploration of 3D printed personalized total elbow arthroplasty to solve the severe bone defect after internal fixation failure of comminuted distal humerus fracture: A case report.

RATIONALE: Severe bone defect could often occur after removing the fractured fixation plates of comminuted fracture in the distal humerus. The reoperation of internal fixation or conventional total elbow arthroplasty could hardly restore the anatomy structure and function of the elbow. However, a novel exploration of 3-dimensional (3D) printed personalized elbow prosthesis was presented in this work. This is a rare and successful treatment for the severe bone defect after removing the fractured fixation plates of comminuted distal humerus fracture. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 60-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with the chief complaint of right elbow joint pain and limitation of motion for 10 years. He suffered from an open reduction with internal fixation surgery 10 years ago due to a fall injury-induced right distal humerus fracture. DIAGNOSES: Plain radiographs and computed tomography scan revealed fracture lines, fracture displacement, and fixator breakage in the right distal humerus. Pain, swelling, and limitation of motion could be found in the physical examination. Fixation failure and nonunion after internal fixation of comminuted distal humerus fracture were considered. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with 3D printed personalized TEA and functional rehabilitation exercises. OUTCOMES: No severe complications were observed during the 36 months follow-up. The patient could complete the daily activities without pain. The hospital for special surgery score increased from 15 points before surgery to 90 points 36 months after surgery. LESSONS: The 3D printed personalized prosthesis could successfully reconstruct the anatomical structures and function of the elbow joint with a severe bone defect. The 3D printed personalized total elbow arthroplasty might provide a feasible method for treating the complex elbow joint diseases in the elderly.

Quantitative ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene wear in total elbow retrievals.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear and damage from retrieved total elbow arthroplasty components and compare in vivo wear with wear produced in vitro. METHODS: Explanted total elbow components were collected at revision surgery. UHMWPE damage was characterized visually, whereas penetration and wear were quantified using micro-computed tomography and gas pycnometry. Volumetric wear rates were compared with historical hip data, and wear data were compared with reported in vitro wear test data. RESULTS: Humeral bushing damage primarily occurred in the form of burnishing, scratching, and pitting at the articular face in the region of contact with the ulnar component. Wear of the ulnar bushings was concentrated on the edge of the component at the point of contact with the axis pin. Pitting and embedded debris were dominant damage modes, in addition to burnishing and delamination. Backside wear was negligible. The median linear penetration rates of the lateral, medial, and ulnar bushings were 0.14 mm/yr (range, 0.01-0.78 mm/yr), 0.12 mm/yr (range, 0.03-0.55 mm/yr), and 0.11 mm/yr (range, 0.01-0.69 mm/yr), respectively. The volumetric wear rates of the lateral, medial, and ulnar bushings were 5.5 mm3/yr (range, 0.7-37.2 mm3/yr), 5.9 mm3/yr (range, 0.6-25.5 mm3/yr), and 5.5 mm3/yr (range, 1.2-51.2 mm3/yr), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The observed wear rates were similar to those reported in well-functioning total hip replacement patients with conventional UHMWPE bearings. We found limitations in reported in vitro testing resulting in wear that was not consistent with our retrieval data. We recommend further investigation to clinically validate in vitro simulation to provide appropriate loading protocols for elbow wear simulation.

Neurologic complications after surgical management of complex elbow trauma requiring radial head replacement.

BACKGROUND: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has become a successful procedure for addressing acute unreconstructible radial head fractures that compromise elbow stability in complex elbow trauma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for the development of neurologic complications after surgical treatment of complex elbow fractures that require an RHA. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with an unreconstructible radial head fracture and complex elbow instability treated with RHA were included. There were 33 men and 29 women, with a mean age of 54 years (range, 22-87 years). The average follow-up period was 5.2 years (range, 3-16 years). All patients were neurologically intact before surgery. The arthroplasty was implanted through a Kocher approach in 55 cases, whereas a Kaplan approach was used in 7. An uncemented smooth stem arthroplasty (Evolve) was used in 27 patients, and an anatomic ingrowth system (Anatomic Radial Head), in 35. At the time of surgery, 23 patients underwent fixation of a coronoid fracture and 15 underwent plating of the proximal ulna. All patients were clinically examined immediately after surgery and during follow-up to detect any degree of neurologic deficit. Radial and ulnar nerve injuries were classified according to the Hirachi and McGowan classifications, respectively. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. RESULTS: A complete posterior interosseous nerve palsy occurred postoperatively in 2 patients. Hand function had completely recovered in both at 2 months after surgery without sequelae. Nine patients complained of ulnar nerve symptoms (immediately after surgery in 6 and as delayed ulnar neuropathy in 3). Most patients with ulnar nerve deficits had undergone additional surgical procedures to address ulnar fractures. Among patients with ulnar neuropathies, only 3 complained of mild sensory symptoms at the latest follow-up. No significant differences in range of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were found between patients with and without neurologic complications. Associated olecranon or coronoid fixation and a prolonged tourniquet time were identified as risk factors for neurologic complications. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the incidence of neurologic complications associated with the surgical treatment of complex elbow fractures requiring implantation of a radial head prosthesis may be underestimated in the literature. Inappropriate retraction in the anterior aspect of the radial neck, a prolonged ischemia time, and concomitant coronoid or olecranon fracture fixation represent the main risk factors for the development of this complication. Although the great majority of patients have full recovery of their nerve function, they should be advised on the risk of this stressful complication.

Hemiarthroplasty implants should have very low stiffness to optimize cartilage contact stress.

Hemiarthroplasty is often preferred to total arthroplasty as it preserves native tissue; however, accelerated wear of the opposing cartilage is problematic. This is thought to be caused by the stiffness mismatch between the implant and cartilage-bone construct. Reducing the stiffness of the implant by changing the material has been hypothesized as a potential solution. This study employs a finite element model to study a concave-convex hemiarthroplasty articulation for various implant materials (cobalt-chrome, pyrolytic carbon, polyether ether ketone, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, Bionate-55D, Bionate-75D, and Bionate-80A). The effect of the radius of curvature and the degree of flexion-extension was also investigated to ensure any relationships found between materials were generalizable. The implant material had a significant effect (P < .001) for both contact area and maximum contact pressure on the cartilage surface. All of the materials were different from the native state except for Bionate-80A at two of the different flexion angles. Bionate-80A and Bionate-75D, the materials with the lowest stiffnesses, were the closest to the native state for all flexion angles and radii of curvature. No evident difference between materials occurred unless the modulus was below that of Bionate-55D (288 MPa), suggesting that hemiarthroplasty materials need to be less stiff than this material if they are to protect the opposing cartilage. This is clinically significant as the findings suggest that the development of new hemiarthroplasty implants should use materials with stiffnesses much lower than currently available devices.

Long-term outcomes after Instrumented Bone Preserving total elbow arthroplasty: a radiostereometric study with a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening is a main concern in elbow arthroplasty. Evaluation of implant migration using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) might increase understanding of implant loosening. Previously, 2-year RSA results of 16 Instrumented Bone Preserving (IBP) elbow prostheses showed migration of the humeral component in the first weeks but most components stabilized within 6 months postoperatively. In follow-up, the present study evaluated long-term survival, the relation between early migration and survival, and the long-term migration and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Sixteen patients who received an IBP prosthesis were prospectively followed with a median follow-up time of 136 months (range 82-165). Migration was measured using RSA. Clinical results were described using the Elbow Function Assessment (EFA), Broberg and Morrey elbow functional rating index, Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. RESULTS: Four patients underwent a revision within 10 years, and 2 more were planned for revision surgery after 14 years. Five patients died with their prosthesis in situ. Early migration was not associated with survival. Long-term migration patterns varied widely. Median EFA score was 58.5, Broberg and Morrey score was 50, and OES score was 32. Median VAS score for pain was 2 and that for satisfaction was 7.5. CONCLUSION: Ten-year survival of the IBP total elbow prosthesis was 75%, decreasing to 63% after 14 years of follow-up. Long-term implant failure could not be predicted by 2-year migration results in this study. Although short-term clinical results were promising, long-term outcomes worsened in all patients.

Long-term results of the iBP elbow prosthesis: beware of destructive metallosis!

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review the long-term results of the instrumented Bone Preserving (iBP) elbow prosthesis. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (10 M, 21F, 28-77 year) were retrospectively evaluated using the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH), Mayo Elbow Performance (MEPS), physical examination and standard radiographs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used. RESULTS: Thirty-seven primary iBPs have been placed in 31 patients between 2000 and 2007. Six patients (8 prostheses) had died, 10 elbows had been revised and three patients (4 prostheses) were lost to follow-up. Fourteen patients (15 prostheses) were available for follow-up. The main indication for surgery was rheumatoid arthritis. Mean follow-up was 11 years (8-15). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a survival of 81% at 10 years after surgery. Main reason for revision was particle disease and loosening due to instability and malalignment. Eleven of 14 patients were satisfied, although radiographs showed radiolucencies in 11 patients. CONCLUSION: The iBP elbow prosthesis gives a survival rate of 81% 10 years after surgery with a progressive decline beyond 10 years. However, many patients have radiolucencies. Discrepancy between clinical signs and radiological results warrants structural follow-up, to assure quality of bone stock in case revision surgery is indicated. The study was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of University Medical Center Groningen (METc2016/038). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series.

Surgical approaches for total elbow arthroplasties using data from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register.

BACKGROUND: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a relatively infrequently performed procedure. Therefore, nationwide databases help to provide more insight into factors that might influence implant survival, for example, the surgical approach used. Using data from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register, we aimed to reveal whether high-volume centers use different approaches than low-volume centers and whether the approach is implant specific. METHODS: Using data from 2014 to 2017, we compared the surgical approaches used for high- vs. low-volume centers, as well as for the 2 most frequently used types of TEA, by use of χ2 tests. RESULTS: We analyzed 276 procedures. In 2016 and 2017, when posterior approaches were further specified, the triceps-on approach was used most frequently in the high-volume center (27 of 42 procedures, 64%) and the triceps-flap approach was used most often in the low-volume centers (48 of 84 procedures, 57%) (P < .001). For the 2 most frequently used types of TEA, the Coonrad-Morrey and Latitude EV arthroplasties, the surgical approaches did not differ. When the high-volume center was compared with the low-volume centers, implant choice differed, with the Coonrad-Morrey arthroplasty being most often used in the high-volume center and the Latitude EV arthroplasty, in the low-volume centers. CONCLUSION: The posterior triceps-flap approach was the most frequently used surgical approach in primary TEA in the Netherlands, yet the triceps-on approach was used more often in the high-volume center. The surgical approaches did not differ between the 2 most frequently used types of TEA in the Netherlands.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty: Elbow Biomechanics and Failure.

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has lower revision-free survivorship than other major joint replacement. Despite this, elbow replacement has remained popular. Surgical technique for TEA destabilizes the elbow by removing the medial and lateral collateral ligaments and, frequently, the radiocapitellar articulation. Current semiconstrained implants aim to allow for physiological varus and valgus motion by employing a sloppy hinge; however, over time, these designs fail owing to nonanatomic force transmission. Nonanatomic force transmission results from ligament release, force transmission primarily to the humeral and ulnar shafts, and radial head resection. These altered biomechanics may be the source of complications seen in semiconstrained arthroplasty. These complications perpetuate the cycle of failure and ultimately have poor salvage options.

Megaprosthetic replacement of the distal humerus: still a challenge in limb salvage.

BACKGROUND: The distal humerus is a rare location of bone tumors. Because of the complexity of the elbow joint, poor soft-tissue coverage, and proximity of nerves and vessels, resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction are demanding. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical results after distal humeral resection and megaprosthetic reconstruction in 12 patients with an average age of 46 years. All patient files were reviewed for clinical information, and postoperative function and patients' contentment were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score. RESULTS: The predominant diagnoses were bone and soft-tissue sarcoma (n = 6), giant cell tumor (n = 2), and renal cell carcinoma metastasis (n = 2). Local recurrence was the reason for secondary amputation in all cases (n = 3). The prosthetic survival rate after surgery was 82% at 2 years and 64% at 5 years. Reconstruction failure was mainly caused by aseptic loosening of the humeral stem, occurring in 27% (n = 3), followed by aseptic loosening of the ulnar stem in 9% (n = 1) and periprosthetic infection in 9% (n = 1). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24 points (range, 20-30 points). An extension lag of more than 10° was noted in 6 patients (55%). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that limb salvage with a distal humeral replacement can achieve good functional results in most patients, although the complication rate with special emphasis on the loosening rate of the humeral stem is high. However, limb salvage was not achieved in 27% of patients because of local recurrence.

Outcomes after revision total elbow arthroplasty: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although revision arthroplasty surgery is a frequently used treatment for failed total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), published results are conflicting. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the outcomes of revision TEA surgery. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in major databases to find articles relating to outcomes after revision of TEA. Two reviewers independently screened the articles for inclusion, and a third reviewer screened them before final inclusion. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles containing 532 cases were included. The mean age at revision was 61 years. The mean interval between primary and revision arthroplasty was 77 months, and the average follow-up period was 65 months. Different types of prostheses were included, with 69% of the revision prostheses having linked designs and 31% having unlinked designs. The visual analog scale score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Oxford Elbow Score, and range of motion improved significantly after revision surgery. Complications were reported in 232 of 532 cases (44%), leading to reoperations in 22%. After revision with linked prostheses, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, range of flexion-extension, and pronation improved significantly more than with unlinked designs. CONCLUSION: Improved functional outcomes can be expected after revision TEA, but the complication rate remains high. Revision TEA should still be considered a salvage procedure for failed TEA. Linked designs for revision TEA result in better outcomes than unlinked designs in the midterm follow-up.

Clinical outcome of Niigata-Senami-Kyocera modular unconstrained total elbow arthroplasty for destructive elbow in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a treatment option for destructive and painful unstable elbows in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the clinical outcomes of unconstrained TEA (Niigata-Senami-Kyocera modular system). METHODS: Seventy-five unconstrained TEAs were performed in patients with RA (mean age, 64 years; age range, 41-79 years; follow-up rate, 97%). Outcome measures included the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) functional evaluation score for the elbow joint (JOA score), range of motion, and arc. Bone ingrowth of the humeral component, the incidence of stress shielding around the humeral component, the incidence of loosening of the ulnar component, complications, and the survival rate were investigated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 5.2 years (range, 2-11.3 years). The JOA elbow score improved from 42 points preoperatively to 87 points postoperatively (P < .0001). Each specified item improved (P < .0001). Flexion improved from 109° to 134°; the flexion-plus-extension arc improved from 70° to 108° (P < .0001). Bone ingrowth of the humeral implant was achieved in all elbows. Stress shielding of the humeral component was detected in 11 elbows (14%); it was significantly higher in 10- and 9-mm-diameter humeral stems than in 8-mm-diameter humeral stems (P = .008). The ulnar component showed no loosening except in 1 elbow owing to infection. Complications were detected in 9 patients (9 elbows, 12%): periprosthetic infection (3), fracture (4), and dislocation (2). The survival rates were 97% at 5 years and 93% at 10 years postoperatively. DISCUSSION: The Niigata-Senami-Kyocera modular system for patients with RA showed good outcomes. Stress shielding can be avoided by using an 8-mm-diameter humeral stem.

Physiological Loading of the Coonrad/Morrey, Nexel, and Discovery Elbow Systems: Evaluation by Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: Wear of polyethylene bearings represents a limiting factor in the long-term success of total elbow prostheses. Bearing stress is 1 factor contributing to accelerated wear. Physiological loading of total elbow prostheses and implant design influence upon bearing stresses have not been well described. This study evaluates bearing stresses in 3 commercially available implant designs under loads associated with daily living. METHODS: Motion tracking from a healthy volunteer helped establish a musculoskeletal model to simulate flexor and extensor muscle activation at 0°, 45°, and 90° of shoulder abduction with a 2.3-kg weight in hand-forces and moments were measured at the elbow. Resulting physiological joint reaction forces and moments were applied to finite element models of 3 total elbow bearing designs (Coonrad/Morrey, Nexel, and Discovery) to evaluate contact area and polyethylene stresses. RESULTS: Increasing shoulder abduction resulted in minimal changes to the elbow joint reaction force but greater joint moments. All implants showed greater peak stresses with increasing shoulder abduction-elbow varus. Discovery and Nexel achieved greater contact area (23% vs > 100%) and demonstrated up to 39% lower peak polyethylene stresses compared with the Coonrad/Morrey design. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder abduction results in a varus moment at the elbow. Newer bearing designs (Nexel and Discovery) provide a combination of higher contact area, improved load sharing, reduced edge loading, and lower stresses through elbow range of motion when compared with a cylindrical hinge-bearing design (Coonrad/Morrey). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the Coonrad/Morrey is a clinically successful prosthesis, our physiological loading model shows that Discovery and Nexel provide greater contact area, better load sharing and lower peak stresses. This may lead to a decrease in polyethylene wear rates and the eventual risks of osteolysis and aseptic loosening. Further studies are needed to determine how these findings translate clinically.

Arthroplasty as primary treatment for distal humeral fractures produces reliable results with regards to revisions and adverse events: a registry-based study.

BACKGROUND: Primary prosthetic replacement has become an accepted method for the treatment of complex distal humeral fractures. The present study investigated implant survival and adverse events related to this procedure based on available Swedish registries and examined the completeness of the Swedish Elbow Arthroplasty register. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated in Sweden with a primary elbow replacement due to a distal humeral fracture between 1999 and 2014 were identified through 3 different registries: The Swedish Elbow Arthroplasty Register, National Board of Health and Welfare inpatient register, and local registries of all orthopedic departments. Prosthetic survival was examined using Cox regression analysis with Kaplan-Meier plots. Adverse events, defined as medical treatment of the affected elbow besides revision, were analyzed separately. The study included 406 elbows in 405 patients, and no register was complete. RESULTS: Implant survival at 10 years was 90% (95% confidence interval, 85%-96%), but only 45 patients had an observation time of 10 years or more because 46% of the patients had died, resulting in a mean observation time of 67 (standard deviation, 47) months. An increase in the use of hemiarthroplasties and a proportional decrease of total elbow arthroplasties was detected. There were 18 revisions (4%), and 26 patients (6%) experienced an adverse event, of whom 16 (4%) required surgery. The completeness of the Swedish Elbow Arthroplasty Register regarding primary arthroplasty was 81%. CONCLUSION: Primary arthroplasty as treatment of distal humeral fractures produces reliable results with regards to revisions and other adverse events.

Long-term outcome of custom triflange outrigger ulnar component in revision total elbow arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Patients missing the distal humeral condyles are prone to premature bushing wear after total elbow arthroplasty. A midterm study has demonstrated that a custom triflange outrigger ulnar component was successful in preventing this. The aim of this study was to determine whether these results remained stable over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcomes of 6 patients who underwent revision of a loose ulnar component using a custom triflange outrigger component were reviewed in this retrospective case study. The average patient age at the time of revision was 51. The average number of prior operations was 2 (range, 1-3). The mean follow-up was 15 years (range, 10-18 years). RESULTS: At final follow-up, the mean range of extension-flexion was 35° to 135°, and pronation-supination was 65° to 63°. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved to 75 of 100. Four implants were still in place with no radiolucencies or osteolysis. Three patients required revision surgery for broken humeral stems. Two required conversion to another total elbow arthroplasty system after 18 and 14 years for humeral component loosening. CONCLUSIONS: These components lasted an average of 4 times longer than the original ulnar components. In our experience, periarticular osteolysis caused by polyethylene wear creates a region of unsupported stem and a stress riser at the junction with the remaining well-supported stem and causes component stem fractures. The concept of an outrigger type of hinge might be useful for active patients requiring an elbow prosthesis in the setting of deficient condyles.

Mid-term results of alumina ceramic unlinked total elbow arthroplasty with cement fixation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Aims: The aim of this study was to report the mid-term clinical outcome of cemented unlinked J-alumina ceramic elbow (JACE) arthroplasties when used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 87 elbows, in 75 patients with RA, which was replaced using a cemented JACE total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) between August 2003 and December 2012, with a follow-up of 96%. There were 72 women and three men, with a mean age of 62 years (35 to 79). The mean follow-up was nine years (2 to 14). The clinical condition of each elbow before and after surgery was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI, 0 to 100 points). Radiographic loosening was defined as a progressive radiolucent line of >1 mm that was completely circumferential around the prosthesis. Results: The mean MEPI scores significantly improved from 40 (10 to 75) points preoperatively to 95 (30 to 100) points at final follow-up (p < 0.0001). Complications were noted in ten elbows (ten patients; 11%). Two had an intraoperative humeral fracture which was treated by fixation and united. One had a postoperative fracture of the olecranon which united with conservative treatment and one had a radial neuropathy which resolved. Further surgery was required for one with a dislocation, three with an ulnar neuropathy and one with a postoperative humeral fracture. Revision with removal of the components was performed in one elbow due to deep infection. There was no radiographic evidence of loosening around the components. With any revision surgery or revision with implant removal as the endpoint, the rates of survival up to 14 years were 93% (95% confidence interval (CI), 83.9 to 96.6) and 99% (95% CI 91.9 to 99.8), respectively, as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion: With the appropriate indications, the mid-term clinical performance of the cemented JACE TEA is reliable and comparable to other established TEAs in the management of the elbow in patients with RA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1066-73.

KPS Bipolar Radial Head Arthroplasty - Polyethylene Head Replacement with a Metal-covered Head. Case Study.

Radial head replacement should be indicated in all cases of radial head fractures when open reduction and internal fixation is anticipated to be difficult or impossible. Although excellent therapeutic results have been ob-tained, this procedure, like any other surgical procedures, may be associated with severe complications, includ-ing contractures, ossification or aseptic synovitis. In these cases, removal of the prosthetic radial head has al-ways been a safe and popular solution producing a satisfactory clinical outcome. However, we present the case of a patient in whom the prosthesis was left in place, but the polyethylene head was replaced with a metal-covered head. The decision to perform this procedure was taken intraoperatively.

Computed tomography-based 3-dimensional preoperative planning for unlinked total elbow arthroplasty.

HYPOTHESIS: Three-dimensional (3D) surgical planning for unlinked total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) would be helpful for estimation of the implant size and accurate placement of implants. METHODS: We included 28 patients who underwent TEA with an unlinked total elbow implant in this study. All patients underwent computed tomography scans of the elbow before surgery, and a 3D digital model of the elbow was reconstructed. After the appropriate size and position of the prosthesis were determined, 10 points around the bone tunnel (4 on the humerus and 6 on the ulna) were measured to plan the insertion of the humeral and ulnar stems. Two-dimensional planning was also performed using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Intraoperatively, the surgeon measured the planned parameters using a slide gauge to reproduce the 3D planned position of the stem insertion. RESULTS: The stem sizes were accurately estimated in 57% of patients for the humerus and 68% for the ulna with 2-dimensional planning and in 86% for the humerus and 96% for the ulna with 3D planning. The mean differences between the positions of the prostheses after surgery with reference to the planned positions were 0.8° of varus and 1.5° of flexion for the humeral component and 0.7° of varus and 2.9° of flexion for the ulnar component. We did not evaluate rotational positioning in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D surgical planning allowed accurate estimation of the implant size and appropriate placement of implants. This method may contribute to a reduced incidence of complications and improved long-term outcomes from TEA.