Total elbow arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis: 20 GSBIII prostheses followed 2-5 years

From 1993 to 1996, we implanted 20 primary GSB IlI prostheses in 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Mayo Clinic performance index for the elbow was used for the evaluation. The average follow-up was 3 (2-5) years. At the follow-up examination, 12 elbows had an excellent result and 8 a good result. The median performance index increased from 30 (15-53) points to 95 (80-100) points. The subjective assessment was excellent for 11 elbows, good for 8 and poor for 1.2 elbows had radiographic loosening with a progressive radiolucent line and a change in the orientation of the prosthesis.