Coonrad-Morrey total elbow replacement for primary and revision surgery: a 2- to 7.5-year follow-up study

In this study, 23 patients were treated with the Coonrad-Morrey total elbow prosthesis for posttraumatic arthrosis (15 cases), acute distal humeral fracture (1 case), inflammatory arthritis (3 cases), and revision of another type of total elbow prosthesis (4 cases). After a mean follow-up of 4 years (range, 2-7.5 years) or at revision as a result of loosening or infection, 78% had a satisfactory outcome according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Of the patients, 16 (70%) had no or mild pain and 7 had moderate to severe pain. The loosening rate was 17%. Possible risk factors for loosening were poor cementing and anterior coronoid impingement. Of the patients, 10 (43%) had complications and 7 of these (30%) required revision surgery. The Coonrad-Morrey total elbow prosthesis can lead to successful outcomes for difficult elbow pathologies. However, the complication rate was higher in our series than previously reported. Some technical aspects for use of this implant are outlined.