Results of Reconstruction for Failed Total Elbow Arthroplasty

• DOI: 10.1097/00003086-199004000-00017
• Publication Date: 2006-05-26T08:22:49Z
• Authors: M. P. FIGGIE; A. E. INGLIS; C. S. Mow; S. W. WOLFE; T. P. SCULCO; H. E. FIGGIE
• Keywords: Implant Failure

Failure of total elbow arthroplasty leads to difficult and complicated surgical reconstruction. This study evaluates the results reconstruction after implant removal with respect pain, motion, functional ability. Between 1978 1985, 11 patients required removal. Indications for were infection seven, fracture three, recurrent dislocation one. The original diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis in six elbows traumatic five. average length follow-up period 5.5 years (minimum, two years). Treatment consisted soft-tissue combined external fixation ten patients, attempted arthrodesis There four good, one fair, poor, failed results. Satisfactory obtained seven eight which an anatomic achieved. containment ulna by humeral epicondylar remnants. All pain-free arc motion 85 degrees (range, 55 120 degrees). They had excellent flexion power; however, triceps strength often compromised. In three could not be achieved, flail, later converted a customized plate, third immediate arthrodesis. rated as failures. Fractures occurred five elbows. One preoperatively, intraoperatively, postoperatively. healed satisfactorily during course immobilization. importance when removing cannot overemphasized. Retaining segments is important because satisfactory whom entrapment olecranon within ridges obtained. Such can achieve without use interpositional material. When retained there marked instability, did