Hemiarthroplasty of the elbow

Abstract

Distal humerus fractures are common, and when they occur in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone or poor subchondral bone stock, intra-articular fragmentation is common and management can be challenging. Osteosynthesis may be impossible or associated with a high risk of complications in this subset of patients, and total elbow replacement may be the preferred treatment. Elbow hemiarthroplasty for unreconstructable distal humerus fractures has emerged as an alternative treatment option and now accounts for over 50% of arthroplasty procedures for distal humerus fractures in England. This article aims to look at the indications, contraindications, surgical anatomy and technique as well as the outcomes and complications of elbow hemiarthroplasties.