Total elbow replacement with the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis: our medium to long-term results

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Semiconstrained total elbow replacement is a recognized surgical option for advanced elbow disease, primarily rheumatoid arthritis.
• The Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis is utilized for these procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of semiconstrained total elbow replacement using the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis.
• To assess pain relief, functional improvement, and complications in patients with severe elbow arthropathy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 31 primary total elbow replacements in 28 patients.
• Mean follow-up duration of 55 months; mean patient age of 65 years.
• Indications included rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, and osteoarthritis; Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) used for assessment.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in MEPS from a pre-operative mean of 40 to a post-operative mean of 89.
• 16 out of 21 assessed elbows were rated excellent.
• Complications included prosthetic loosening, non-union of the medial epicondyle, heterotopic ossification, infection, and ulnar nerve palsy; two cases were considered failures due to loosening.

Conclusions:

• The Coonrad-Morrey semiconstrained total elbow replacement provides excellent pain relief and good functional outcomes in the medium and long term.
• It is a reliable option for patients suffering from severe destructive elbow arthropathy.