Hinged total elbow replacement

Total elbow arthroplasty using a hinged prosthesis was performed on 17 elbows in 12 patients. Clinical follow up ranged from 18 to 85 months, and averaged 56 months. Indications for surgery included disabling pain, restricted motion of the elbow, and roentgenographic evidence of joint destruction. We did not use this prosthesis in patients with restricted shoulder motion or in those with demanding occupational or recreational activities. Fifteen elbows showed good results; one elbow was complicated by ectopic ossification, and one prosthesis was removed for a deep wound infection. No other instances of symptomatic loosening were found, although radiographs demonstrated a lucent line around the cement in four elbows and a cement fracture in one elbow. All patients were relieved of their pain. The low incidence of loosening may be explained by the selective use of the hinged prosthesis. Index Terms: elbow, arthroplasty, hinged prosthesis.