Background: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) of the elbow represents an alternative to total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) without the associated activity restrictions. This study reviews our experience with distal humerus HA with minimum 2-year follow-up.
Methods: Between 2002 and 2012, 16 elbows underwent HA for posttraumatic arthritis of the elbow. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years or until revision surgery. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPSs), complications, and revisions.
Results: Mean age at arthroplasty was 45 years, and follow-up averaged 51 months. All patients had previously undergone one or more surgical procedures at the elbow (average of 1.5 procedures). At follow-up, five had undergone additional surgery; two were revised to TEA. In surviving implants, the range of motion at follow-up was markedly improved from preoperative motion. The MEPS for the remaining HA included five excellent results, three good results, five fair results, and one poor result.
Discussion: Elbow HA is an option for young or active patients with end-stage elbow posttraumatic arthritis who are unwilling to accept activity limitations. However, high rates of revision surgery and revision to TEA occur after HA for posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow. Only 57% of patients with surviving implants had a good to excellent MEPS, although improvement in the range of motion was predictable.