High revision rate after total elbow arthroplasty with a linked semiconstrained device

The clinical results of semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty have been encouraging, especially in rheumatoid arthritis. This article presents medium-term clinical results, revision rates, and reasons for revision of a semiconstrained linked total elbow device (Solar Total Elbow; Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey). We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive total elbow arthroplasty patients operated on between February 1994 and March 2001. Thirteen patients were available for clinical evaluation with an average follow-up of 8.4 years (range, 4-12.6 years). The presenting diagnosis was posttraumatic arthritis in 6 patients, rheumatoid arthritis in 6, and gouty arthritis in 1, with an average patient age of 63.4 years. The results were analyzed with regard to complications following the procedure, functional outcome using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and radiological evaluation at latest follow-up. The mean MEPS improved from 32.1 to 65 at latest follow-up. Three patients had excellent results, 5 had good results, 1 had a fair result, and 4 had poor results. Seven patients required at least 1 revision surgery, including 2 with humeral component loosening, 2 with ulnar component loosening, and 2 with bushing failure. One patient required resection arthroplasty for deep periprosthetic infection. Three patients eventually sustained periprosthetic fractures. Five patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 2 patients with posttraumatic arthritis underwent revision surgery. Poor clinical outcomes and a high revision rate were noted in patients with posttraumatic arthritis. Further comparative studies with other semiconstrained devices are necessary to determine their clinical effectiveness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.