[Elbow hemiarthroplasty for coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus]

The aim of the operation is to replace the articular surface of the distal humerus in cases of nonreconstructible fractures of the distal humerus.

Active patients with high functional requirements, in whom weight limitation of total elbow arthroplasty should be avoided.

Contraindications include fractures with irreconstructible epicondyles and/or irreconstructible collateral ligaments, as well as ulnohumeral, or radiohumeral osteoarthritis.

Following subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve, surgical dislocation of the elbow joint is achieved through a paratricipital approach with release of the soft tissue structures from the humerus. After resection of the trochlea, the intramedullary canal of the humerus is prepared using rasps in order to implant the hemiprosthesis with retrograde cementing. Finally, the medial and lateral collateral ligaments as well as the flexors and extensors are repaired.

Early functional rehabilitation in a hinged elbow orthosis while avoiding varus/valgus stress after wound healing is completed.

Between 2018 and 2022, 18 patients with coronal shear fractures were treated with elbow hemiarthroplasty. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 79 (70-95) after a mean follow-up of 12 months. The mean range of motion was 99° (70-130°) in extension-flexion and 162° (90-180°) in pronation-supination.