This study assesses the clinical performance of the Souter-Strathclyde elbow arthroplasty with a standardised index and long-term survivorship analysis.

We undertook assessment of 68 primary Souter-Strathclyde total elbow replacements. Of 53 patients assessed with pre-operative Souter-Strathclyde charts, nine died and one was lost to follow-up, 43 had radiographic and telephone review, and 38 (88%) had clinical examination according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index.

Survival of the 43 elbows was to a mean of 72 months (range 8 to 187). A cohort of 25 elbows available for review with > 5-year follow up had improvement in pain, motion, stability and function. Eight of ten elbows in deceased patients had satisfactory scores at the last assessment. Ulnar neuropraxia occurred in eight elbows (12%), persistent sensory deficit in two (3%) and motor deficit in one. Two triceps abscesses required local skin flap cover. Revision was undertaken in 14 elbows (20%) for instability (6) bony injury (3), loosening (3) and intraoperative problems (2).

The survivorship at 13 years was 74% with 62 (91%) of all elbows achieving a satisfactory Mayo score.

This study assesses long term performance of the Souter-Strathclyde elbow arthroplasty. From 1984 to 1999, 68 Souter-Strathclyde prostheses were inserted in 53 patients; nine patients died, one was lost and 38 (88%) had full clinical examination.

Mean survival was 72 months (range 8 to 187), 25 elbows survived to 5-year follow up, with improvement in pain, motion, stability and function. Mayo score was satisfactory in 92% of all 68 elbows.

Complications occurred in 13 elbows (19%) and 14 elbows were revised for instability (six), fracture (three), loosening (three) and intraoperative problems (two). Survivorship at 10 years was 74% (95% Confidence Interval ± 7. 7).