Revision total elbow arthroplasty with the ulnar component implanted into the radius for management of large ulna defects.

BACKGROUND: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has a higher rate of revision and complications than other total joint arthroplasties. Salvage options for failed TEAs are limited, especially when patients have poor ulna bone stock. The purpose of this study is to describe a surgical technique and report outcomes of patients who underwent revision TEA with implantation of the ulnar component into the radius to address ulna bony defects. METHODS: A retrospective review of 5 patients at a single institution from 2014 to 2019 in which the ulnar component was implanted into the radius to address large bony defects in the setting of revision TEA was performed. RESULTS: At follow-up of 2.1 ± 1.9 years, patients experienced an increase in total arc of motion from 86 ± 17° to 112 ± 8°, with infection eradication and no instances of distal component loosening. CONCLUSION: This salvage technique was effective at providing a stable elbow in patients with large ulna bony defects as a result of prosthetic joint infection or periprosthetic fracture.

Duke Scholars

Author Christopher Scott Klifto Orthopaedic Surgery

Author Marc Joseph Richard Orthopaedic Surgery

Author David Simms Ruch Orthopaedic Surgery