Capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasty. Two-to eight-year experience

A series of 35 capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasties was performed on 29 patients. The average patient age at the time of surgery was 58 years (range, 28-71 years). Follow-up study averaged 5.6 years (range, 2-8 years). The complication rate was 57%. There were three infections, three dislocations, and two intraoperative fractures. Transient ulnar nerve palsy occurred in nine patients, postoperative hematomas in two patients, and intraoperative perforation of the ulna cortex in one patient. Aseptic loosening occurred around the humeral component of one elbow. No ulnar components developed aseptic loosening. Range of motion increased in all planes, except extension. Pain relief was achieved in all but one patient. There were no unstable elbows.