Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
07:10
Modified Long Head of Biceps Tendon Rerouting and Fixation as Partial Capsular Reconstruction for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: March 6, 2026
Capitellar excision and hemiarthroplasty affects elbow kinematics and stability
Marlis T Sabo1, Hannah L Shannon, Simon Deluce
1Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St Joseph's Health Care, London, ON, Canada.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|August 6, 2011
Summary
Capitellar hemiarthroplasty restores elbow stability and normal kinematics after capitellar excision. Both anatomical and spherical implants effectively corrected instability, indicating their potential for treating capitellar deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomechanics
- Elbow joint reconstruction
Background:
- Isolated capitellar deficiency presents a reconstructive challenge.
- Limited data exists on the biomechanical effects of capitellar hemiarthroplasty.
- This study investigates capitellar excision and replacement on elbow function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of capitellar excision and hemiarthroplasty on elbow kinematics and stability.
- To compare the effectiveness of two distinct implant designs (anatomical and spherical).
- To evaluate the capitellum's role in elbow joint stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Ten cadaveric arms were analyzed using a joint simulator and CT scans.
- Computer-assisted techniques were employed for implant placement.
- Electromagnetic tracking measured elbow kinematics (flexion, varus, valgus, rotation) with excised and implanted capitella.
Main Results:
- Capitellar excision significantly increased varus-valgus laxity and external ulnar rotation.
- Both anatomical and spherical capitellar implants restored normal laxity and rotation.
- Implant designs demonstrated similar biomechanical performance.
Conclusions:
- The capitellum is crucial for valgus and external rotational stability of the elbow.
- Capitellar hemiarthroplasty effectively addresses instability caused by capitellar deficiency.
- Both evaluated implant designs provide a viable solution for capitellar reconstruction.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...