We evaluated the long-term results of 202 capitellocondylar total elbow replacements that had been performed, from July 1974 through June 1987, in 172 patients. The duration of follow-up averaged 69 months (range, 24 to 178 months). At the most recent follow-up examination, use of a 100-point rating score demonstrated an improvement from an average preoperative score of 26 points (range, 2 to 50 points) to an average postoperative score of 91 points (range, 45 to 100 points). The most improvement occurred in the categories of relief of pain, functional status, and range of motion in all planes except extension. The improvements in these categories and in the roentgenographic appearance that were seen in the early postoperative period did not deteriorate with time. The average preoperative arc of motion at the elbow ranged from -37 degrees of extension to 118 degrees of flexion. The average postoperative arc of motion at the elbow ranged from -30 degrees of extension to 135 degrees of flexion. Supination improved from 45 degrees preoperatively to 64 degrees postoperatively; pronation improved from 56 degrees preoperatively to 72 degrees postoperatively. The roentgenograms showed a radiolucent line adjacent to 8 humeral and 19 ulnar components; most of the lines were incomplete and one millimeter wide or less. Revision of the prosthesis was necessary in 3 elbows (1.5 per cent) because of loosening without infection, and in 3 additional elbows because of dislocation of the prosthesis. Complications included deep infection in 3 elbows (1.5 per cent); problems related to the wound in 15 (7 per cent); permanent, partial sensory ulnar-nerve palsy in 5 (2.5 per cent); permanent, partial motor ulnar-nerve palsy in one (0.5 per cent); and dislocation in 7 (3.5 per cent).
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We evaluated the long-term results of 202 capitellocondylar total elbow replacements that had been performed, from July 1974 through June 1987, in 172 patients. The duration of follow-up averaged 69 months (range, 24 to 178 months). At the most recent follow-up examination, use of a 100-point rating score demonstrated an improvement from an average preoperative score of 26 points (range, 2 to 50 points) to an average postoperative score of 91 points (range, 45 to 100 points). The most improvement occurred in the categories of relief of pain, functional status, and range of motion in all planes except extension. The improvements in these categories and in the roentgenographic appearance that were seen in the early postoperative period did not deteriorate with time. The average preoperative arc of motion at the elbow ranged from -37 degrees of extension to 118 degrees of flexion. The average postoperative arc of motion at the elbow ranged from -30 degrees of extension to 135 degrees of flexion. Supination improved from 45 degrees preoperatively to 64 degrees postoperatively; pronation improved from 56 degrees preoperatively to 72 degrees postoperatively. The roentgenograms showed a radiolucent line adjacent to 8 humeral and 19 ulnar components; most of the lines were incomplete and one millimeter wide or less. Revision of the prosthesis was necessary in 3 elbows (1.5 per cent) because of loosening without infection, and in 3 additional elbows because of dislocation of the prosthesis. Complications included deep infection in 3 elbows (1.5 per cent); problems related to the wound in 15 (7 per cent); permanent, partial sensory ulnar-nerve palsy in 5 (2.5 per cent); permanent, partial motor ulnar-nerve palsy in one (0.5 per cent); and dislocation in 7 (3.5 per cent).
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.