Abstract
The aim of this study was to review the outcome of semi-constrained total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in osteoarthritis and compare it to the rheumatoid group. This was performed on a single-surgeon, single-prosthesis (GSB III) series of patients. Two groups of patients assessed. In the first group with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis 40 replaced elbows in 31 patients (25 female and 1 male), with average age of 67 (range 49–82) were reviewed. The second group consisted of 14 elbows in 14 patients (9 female and 5 male) with post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Average age in this group was 71 (range 54–84). All patients were recalled for clinical review. Fresh radiographs obtained and compared to the immediate postoperative images. Mayo elbow performance (MEPS) and Liverpool elbow scores (LES) were used as the outcome measure. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the two groups was performed. The average follow up for the first group was 53 (range 20–90) and second group 60 months (range 21–103). According to the MEPS 87.1% of patients in group 1 and 63.6% in group 2 had excellent or good outcome. This different was not statistically significant (p=0.09). Only one patient from group one and none in group two had the joint revised. No significant difference was observed in MEPS of group one (86 ± 17) and group two (77 ± 24), (p=0.25). Also the LES in the two groups were not different (p=0.85) (group one 8 ± 1 vs. group two 8 ± 2). The outcome of TEA is satisfactory in both groups. No statistically significant difference was noted in the two groups. The recommendation of TEA in patients with osteoarthritis is supported by this study.
Correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, British Elbow and Shoulder Society, Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
