Abstract
We have followed up the results of total elbow arthroplasties on 36 elbows in 28 patients using a prosthesis newly designed in our department. The characteristics of this elbow joint (NR type) were: none constrained type, minimum bone resection and adapting each elbow joint size. The results were compared before and after operations on the basis of the Elbow Evaluation Sheet prepared by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. The usefulness of the new prosthesis is evaluated and the problems involved are discussed. Seven years and 8 months on average (from 3 years 6 months to 13 year 9 months) after the operation, relief of pain and an increase in the flexion angle were particularly remarkable. As compared with the preoperative conditions, the activities of daily living of patients were improved, especially washing their faces, buttoning-up their shirts and eating food with greater ease. The most frequent complication was restriction to extension, which developed in 12 elbows (33%). Postoperative infection was seen in two joints of two patients (5.5%), fall out the ulnar component due to fracture of olecranon in one (2.8%) and dislocation of the elbow joint in another (2.8%). The survival rate of this elbow joint was 90% at an average 7 years and 8 months follow-up. This new elbow joint has good durability and is very useful in improving the function of the elbow joint destroyed by rheumatoid arthritis.
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Ryu, J., Saito, S., Honda, T. et al. A new total elbow arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis. Japanese Journal of Rheumatology 8, 411–428 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03041319
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03041319