Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures Provided Similar Outcomes When Performed as a Primary Procedure or After Failed Internal Fixation

Objectives: To compare clinical and functional outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for distal humerus fractures (DHF) performed either as a primary procedure or after internal fixation. Design: Retrospective, observational study. Setting: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (1998 through 2016). Patients/Participants: Twenty-two TEA for acute DHF and 66 TEA after previous internal fixation. Main Outcome Measurements: Primary outcome measures included the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and motion. Reoperation rates and complications were also compared. Results: The mean time between internal fixation and arthroplasty was 7.3 years, and the main indications for conversion to TEA were nonunion (36%) and posttraumatic osteoarthritis (32%). There were female predominance (70%) and significant differences in age (74 years vs. 60 years, P
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Article Source Type: research