A quantitative analysis of two cementing techniques in total elbow replacement: A cadaveric study

One of the reasons for failure of total elbow replacement is loosening of the ulnar component. Cementing techniques are often outdated. A special small nozzle is needed for the ulnar component, when a cement gun is used. This may not always be available, or surgeons may prefer to use a syringe. We postulated that the use of a cement gun and smaller nozzle would result in improved filling of the ulnar canal. A cadaveric study was performed in which the ulnas of paired specimens were cemented with a cement gun or with a syringe. A 3D printed ulnar component was inserted and computed tomography scanning was performed on all specimens. Filling of the ulnar intramedullary canal was analysed using 3D reconstructions of the specimens. A greater degree of filling was seen by the use of the cement gun in 85.7%. Filling was 52.7% in the syringe group (25.1–78.7%), compared to 63.3% for the cement gun group ( p < 0.05). The use of a small nozzle cement gun provided a significantly higher filling degree of the ulnar canal. We recommend to always use a cement gun with a specific small nozzle to cement the ulnar component in total elbow arthroplasty.

Total elbow arthroplasty surgery in neglected elbow stiffness post open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screw: a case report

Post-traumatic and post-operative stiffness of the elbow joint constitutes a significant problem since the elbow is prone to develop soft-tissue contractures and heterotopic bone formation especially if happened in dominant arm. Total elbow replacement is considered as an ultimate treatment in salvaging a stiff elbow which has failed conservative and operative therapeutic procedures to overcome the stiffness and return the elbow to an effective functional arc. A 35-year-old female came to orthopaedic outpatient clinic in Sanglah Hospital, complaining on stiffness in her right elbow since one year prior to admission. This complain was felt after she underwent internal fixation on July 19th 2016, for closed fracture right monteggia bado type-3 post internal fixation. After the surgery, she couldn’t move her elbow because of inappropriate physiotheraphy. Neglected elbow stiffness in this patient was treated surgically with total elbow arthroplasty after physiotherapy has failed to improve her range of motion over 1-year period postoperatively. This decision stated when nonsurgical treatment fails, the patient who has realistic expectations of eventual outcome and who can comply with the arduous postoperative rehabilitation program may be a surgical candidate. Total elbow arthroplasty conducted for these patients resulted in satisfying functional outcome with using quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score improved from 81.8 to 43.2 postoperatively and no complication was reported.

Reconstruction of Elbow Joint and Soft Tissue Defect with Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Total Elbow Replacement: A Case Report

Soft tissue and bone defect due to the machinery penetrating injury of elbow joint are a rare and challenging problem for reconstructive surgeons. After reconstructing soft tissue with anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and external fixator, the authors planned restoration of elbow function using total elbow replacement (TER). Finally, the patient regained the soft tissue reconstruction and the motion of the elbow using TER, and satisfied with the clinical results. Therefore, the authors present the successful case of ALT flap and TER to treat the machinery penetrating the injury of the elbow.

Intramedullary fibula strut bone allograft in a periprosthetic humeral shaft fracture with implant loosening after total elbow arthroplasty

Periprosthetic fracture after total elbow replacement surgery is a difficult complication to manage, especially when it comes together with implant loosening. If stem revision and internal fixation of the periprosthetic fracture are performed simultaneously, this would be a very challenging procedure. Most of total elbow replacement implants are cemented type. Cement usage at periprosthetic fracture site may interfere healing of fractured site. Authors underwent internal fixation with use of locking plate and cerclage wire for periprosthetic fracture, allogenous fibular strut bone inserted into the humerus intramedullary canal allowing the fractured site to be more stable without cement usage. At 10-month follow-up, the complete union and good clinical outcome was achieved. We present a novel technique for treating periprosthetic fracture with implant loosening after total elbow replacement surgery, using intramedullary allogenous fibula strut bone graft.

Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy that manifests itself prior to the age of sixteen years with symptoms lasting six weeks or longer. As JIA frequently effects the upper extremities, activities of daily living become compromised during the stages of development when young adults are striving for independence. Symptomatology includes ankylosing, pain and early growth plate closure. Patients with joint involvement prior to growth plate closure have the most destruction in terms of joint abnormality and surgical complexity.Medical management of JIA has allowed for better non-surgical management, yet, there is a continued need to understand the appropriate surgical intervention and order for the greatest functional gains. Comparative studies have shown that varied results as to whether the shoulder replacement should supersede the elbow replacement or should that be reversed or both joint replacements done simultaneously. Our experience found a more significant functional improvement after total elbow replacement due to the unpredictable nature from the shoulder replacement outcomes and an inability for patients to do simple tasks such as bringing a cup to their mouths or handling a toothbrush. The exception to this occurs if the ipsilateral shoulder joint is severely limited to the point that the stressors placed on the elbow due to compensation will lead to early loosening or failure of the elbow joint replacement.Various methods for performing joint replacement of the shoulder and elbow in the JIA population will be discussed. Soft tissue integrity including the functional status of the rotator cuff will be a consideration for which surgical procedure should be considered. Surgical approaches for the elbow present fewer options for improving pain and function in this patient population. Pre, peri and postoperative management is reviewed as careful attention to irregular bony dimensions and dysmorphic anatomy precludes the use of standard implants.Total shoulder and total elbow arthroplasty should be considered in the JIA population where pain and significant functional compromise are present. The order of procedures is dependent on multiple factors and expected outcomes. Educating patients on postoperative expectations over the lifespan is an important part of surgical management for patients with JIA.

Revision Total Elbow Replacement Arthroplasty with an Allograft-Prosthesis Composite: Case Series and Technical Points

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the results of revision total elbow replacement arthroplasty (TERA) with an allograft-prosthesis composite (APC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients with an average age of 75 years who had undergone revision TERA with an APC for periprosthetic fracture or loosening of the component. The mean follow-up period was 13 months. We assessed serial radiographs for bone union and evaluated the outcomes in terms of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion, and complications. Results: The APC was used for the humerus in 5 patients and for the ulna in 1 patient. The clinical bone union was achieved at average 9 months after surgery. The mean pain VAS score improved from 6.8 to 1.7, the mean elbow joint range of motion increased from 95° to 129° and the MEPS score improved from 40 to 79 at the last follow-up. There were no major complications such as infection, nonunion, malunion, limitation of motion or refracture. One patient experienced transient radial nerve palsy and another patient a prominent edge of the humeral allobone that needed a trimming surgery later.Conclusion: Revision TERA with an APC provides good functional outcomes and can be recommended as one of the options for failed total elbow arthroplasty.