Trauma-associated elbow arthroplasty

Abstract

The elbow joint is a highly complex functional unit that due to its three joint components acts as an important link in the movement chain of the upper extremity. Intra-articular distal humeral fractures make up approximately 5% of the fractures in the geriatric population. Osteosynthetic reconstruction via double locking plates is the gold standard for this type of fracture; however, in rare cases if reconstruction is not possible due to the severity of the fracture or other compromising comorbidities, total elbow arthroplasty has become established as an adequate primary treatment in advanced age as well as secondary implantation in posttraumatic situations. This review article contains recommendations on the treatment of nonreconstructable distal humeral fractures or posttraumatic situations with elbow hemiprostheses and total elbow endoprostheses. This article presents guidelines for assessing the indications, reflects the preoperative work-up and planning, helps in finding the appropriate implant and reviews the current literature for trauma-related total elbow arthroplasty.