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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Surgical Exposures for Total Elbow Arthroplasty
John G Horneff1, Matthew L Ramsey
1From the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is increasingly used for younger patients with elbow conditions. Surgeons must master various surgical approaches, including triceps reflecting, splitting, and sparing, to manage these complex cases effectively.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Arthroplasty
Background:
- Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) indications have broadened beyond rheumatoid disease to include trauma and osteoarthritis.
- Younger, higher-demand patients are increasingly undergoing TEA, raising concerns about implant longevity and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving indications for TEA.
- To discuss surgical exposure techniques for TEA, focusing on triceps tendon management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on TEA indications and surgical approaches.
- Categorization of TEA exposures based on triceps tendon handling: reflecting, splitting, and sparing.
Main Results:
- Expanded indications for TEA include acute trauma, instability, and end-stage osteoarthritis.
- Three primary surgical approaches exist, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding triceps function and soft tissue handling.
Conclusions:
- The growing use of TEA in younger, active patients necessitates a thorough understanding of various surgical exposures.
- Surgeons must be proficient in triceps reflecting, splitting, and sparing techniques to optimize outcomes and manage potential revisions.
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