Elbow revision arthroplasty in the situation of bone loss using an unlinked long-stem prosthesis

The results of 16 first-revision operations using an unlinked cemented long-stem elbow arthroplasty in the situation of major bone loss are presented. Fifteen patients with a mean age of 62 years and longstanding polyarthritis were monitored for a mean period of 31 months (range, 6-62 months). Seven revision arthroplasties showed a good result and 7 a fair result with improvement of function and pain. Two patients with postoperative instability requiring further surgery had a poor result, with one infected prosthesis and one elbow with persistent instability and ulnar nerve hypersensitivity. Using a visual analog scale, patients documented good pain relief, good subjective independence, and a high level of satisfaction. In the follow-up SF-36 health survey, patients scored low physical function but good mental function. These results show that in the absence of infection and instability, revision elbow arthroplasty, even in the situation of major bone loss, can be a successful treatment option using this unlinked cemented long-stem system.