The results of 19 semiconstrained modified Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasties performed in 19 patients to treat instability were evaluated at an average of 72 months (range, 25 to 128 months) postoperatively. Preoperatively, all patients had either a flail elbow or gross instability of the elbow that prevented useful function of the extremity. The instability of 16 elbows was the result of a traumatic injury or of the treatment of such an injury. The most recent result was satisfactory for 16 elbows and unsatisfactory for 3. The average overall Mayo elbow performance score increased from 44 points preoperatively to 86 points postoperatively. At the most recent follow-up examination, no elbow was unstable. The average arc of flexion was from 25 degrees (range, 0 to 60 degrees) to 128 degrees (range, 30 to 142 degrees), which represented a 58-degree increase from the preoperative average arc. 16 patients had little or no pain after the arthroplasty. There were 4 complications in 4 patients. 3 complications (loosening of the humeral component in one patient and a fracture of the ulnar component in 2) occurred postoperatively; all 3 were treated with a revision procedure. The other complication (a fracture of the olecranon) occurred intraoperatively and was treated with tension-band fixation; the most recent outcome was not affected.
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The results of 19 semiconstrained modified Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasties performed in 19 patients to treat instability were evaluated at an average of 72 months (range, 25 to 128 months) postoperatively. Preoperatively, all patients had either a flail elbow or gross instability of the elbow that prevented useful function of the extremity. The instability of 16 elbows was the result of a traumatic injury or of the treatment of such an injury. The most recent result was satisfactory for 16 elbows and unsatisfactory for 3. The average overall Mayo elbow performance score increased from 44 points preoperatively to 86 points postoperatively. At the most recent follow-up examination, no elbow was unstable. The average arc of flexion was from 25 degrees (range, 0 to 60 degrees) to 128 degrees (range, 30 to 142 degrees), which represented a 58-degree increase from the preoperative average arc. 16 patients had little or no pain after the arthroplasty. There were 4 complications in 4 patients. 3 complications (loosening of the humeral component in one patient and a fracture of the ulnar component in 2) occurred postoperatively; all 3 were treated with a revision procedure. The other complication (a fracture of the olecranon) occurred intraoperatively and was treated with tension-band fixation; the most recent outcome was not affected.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.