Background: To date there has been only one published series of elbow arthroplasty in patients with Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis. These patients pose particular problems because of the size and variable shape of the humerus and ulna together with the soft tissue contractures and bony erosion which can sometimes be severe. We have reviewed the results of elbow arthroplasty using the unlinked Kudo 5 and the linked Coonrad-Morrey implants which in our practice have different indications dependent upon bone stock and stability.

Methods: 19 total elbow replacements in 13 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were performed by 1 specialist elbow surgeon, the senior author. 13 of these are Kudo 5 and 6 are Coonrad-Morrey implants. The mean age at operation was 39 years.

6 of the elbow replacements had undergone previous surgery, 4 had an interposition arthroplasty and 2 a synovectomy and radial head excision.

No patients were lost to follow up. All were evaluated at a mean follow up of 49 months [6–84 months] using the Mayo Clinic Performance Index. Postoperative radiographs were also reviewed for loosening using standard anteroposterior and lateral films.

Results: Preoperatively 7 had moderate pain and 12 had severe pain. Postoperatively the pain was rated as none by 13 and mild by 6. The average Mayo Elbow Score improved from 26 preoperatively to 81 postoperatively. The mean arc of flexion/extension improved from 85 to 108 degrees.12 elbow replacements had intra and postoperative complications. 2 elbows have been revised, 1 for malalignment resulting in instability and 1 for aseptic loosening of the ulna component. 1 customised extra small implant has radiographic loosening of both components with minimal pain and a further aseptic loose implant awaits revision at 7 years.

Conclusions: The medium-term results of Total Elbow Replacements in patients with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis are acceptable and comparable to the only other published series which also records a high complication rate similar to that reported by ourselves.