Revision Total Elbow Replacement Arthroplasty with an Allograft-Prosthesis Composite: Case Series and Technical Points

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the results of revision total elbow replacement arthroplasty (TERA) with an allograft-prosthesis composite (APC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients with an average age of 75 years who had undergone revision TERA with an APC for periprosthetic fracture or loosening of the component. The mean follow-up period was 13 months. We assessed serial radiographs for bone union and evaluated the outcomes in terms of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion, and complications. Results: The APC was used for the humerus in 5 patients and for the ulna in 1 patient. The clinical bone union was achieved at average 9 months after surgery. The mean pain VAS score improved from 6.8 to 1.7, the mean elbow joint range of motion increased from 95° to 129° and the MEPS score improved from 40 to 79 at the last follow-up. There were no major complications such as infection, nonunion, malunion, limitation of motion or refracture. One patient experienced transient radial nerve palsy and another patient a prominent edge of the humeral allobone that needed a trimming surgery later.Conclusion: Revision TERA with an APC provides good functional outcomes and can be recommended as one of the options for failed total elbow arthroplasty.