Outcome of Revision Total Elbow Replacement using the Acclaim Prosthesis

Abstract

Background This was a retrospective study presenting our results and survivorship of the Acclaim total elbow when used as a revision implant. Methods Between May 2001 and July 2005, 29 revision elbow replacements were carried out on 28 patients in our institution. Five were redo revisions and one received the fourth sequential implant. A variety of implants were removed for aseptic loosening (17), periprosthetic fracture (7), dislocation (3) and infection (2). Two patients had died and one was unavailable for follow-up. Results At a mean follow-up of 50 months (12 to 80 months) pain, functional assessment scores and radiographs were assessed and a Kaplan-Meier survival curve created. Symptoms were reliably relieved with 72% reporting no pain. Mean flexion was 128° with loss of full extension of 34°. Complications were noted in six cases of which three patients underwent further surgery. None of the 29 revisions has been re-revised till date. Conclusion The medium term results for this implant suggest it is an effective revision prosthesis.