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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
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Distal Humerus Fractures Managed With Elbow Hemiarthroplasty
J D Stephens1, Brandon Kohrs1, Logan Bushnell1
1Department of Orthopedics, Grandview Medical Center, Affiliate of Kettering Health Network and Ohio, University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dayton, Ohio.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Arthroplasty
|September 9, 2021
Summary
Elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) is a viable option for distal humerus fractures that cannot be repaired with surgery. This procedure allows patients to bear weight, offering preserved function with moderate pain, unlike total elbow arthroplasty.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Arthroplasty
Background:
- Distal humerus fractures pose challenges, especially for patients using assistive devices.
- Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is the standard for irreparable fractures but has limitations like weight-bearing restrictions.
- Elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) offers an alternative treatment for these complex fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of Elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) in patients with non-reconstructable distal humerus fractures.
- To assess the feasibility of allowing weight-bearing postoperatively after EHA.
- To compare EHA with Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA) regarding functional capabilities and restrictions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of twelve patients undergoing EHA for comminuted distal humerus fractures.
- Patients were permitted to weight-bear as tolerated post-surgery.
- Outcome measures included Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), along with revision surgery rates.
Main Results:
- Average MEPS score was 76.1 (fair outcomes), and average PREE score was 41.
- One patient required revision surgery.
- Average follow-up was 44.1 months, with three patients using assistive devices pre-injury.
Conclusions:
- EHA is a viable treatment for non-reconstructable distal humerus fractures, offering a benefit over TEA by not requiring weight-lifting restrictions.
- Patients reported preserved functional capabilities but experienced moderate pain.
- EHA demonstrated durability, supporting its use in elderly patients with intermediate follow-up.
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