126.
Total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
celia møllenborg, lars henrik frich, søren skydt kristensen
orthopaedic dept. Odense University Hospital; Orthopaedic dept, Odense
University Hospital; Orthopaedic dept, Odense University Hospital
Background:
Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is considered a suitable surgical
option in cases of advanced rheumatoid arthritis of the. TEA is, however
associated with a higher occurrence of complications than is usual for large-
joint replacements. We present our results with the semi- constrained
Discovery R prosthesis
Purpose / Aim of Study:
To control the quality of a highly specialized
function at ouh, inserting TEA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Materials and Methods:
29
elbows in 26 patients were evaluated of these 6
men and 20 women. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 60
years (30-80 years) We used the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and
the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) to evaluate the outcome of surgery. All
patients had recent x-rays to monitor radiolucencies and placement of the
TEA. Mean follow-up was 49 months.
Findings / Results:
All patients experienced pain relief after surgery. 28
elbows were free from pain , The range of motion improved after arthroplasty.
Flexion of more than 115° was achieved in 28 elbows. MEPS values after
surgery improved to 70-100 points Shallow radiolucent lines were detected in
only a few cases. We had no revisions in this group and no permanent
affection of the ulnar nerve.
Conclusions:
The Discovery total elbow replacement is at present considered
the method of choice at OUH. The prosthesis provides good functional
outcomes. Complication rate remained low during the follow-up period
