Distal humerus prosthetic hemiarthroplasty: midterm results.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Arthroplasty

Background:

• Comminuted distal humeral fractures present significant treatment challenges.
• Open reduction-internal fixation is standard but not always feasible.
• Total elbow arthroplasty has high complication rates for these fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the midterm outcomes of distal humerus prosthetic hemiarthroplasty (DHA).
• To assess DHA as an alternative for acute and salvage treatment of non-reconstructable distal humerus fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of six patients treated with DHA.
• In-office clinical evaluation and medical record review.
• Mean follow-up of 54 months (range 21-76 months).

Main Results:

• 100% implant survival at midterm follow-up.
• Functional outcomes included average 95.8° flexion-extension and 165° pronation-supination arcs.
• Three patients were pain-free; three experienced mild/moderate pain. Instability occurred in three patients, symptomatic in one.

Conclusions:

• Distal humerus prosthetic hemiarthroplasty demonstrates favorable midterm implant survival for non-reconstructable fractures.
• While offering a treatment option, potential complications and variable patient satisfaction necessitate careful consideration.