Elbow Hemiarthroplasty for the Treatment of Distal Humerus Fractures

Nicholas Chang; Graham J W King

doi:10.1016/j.ocl.2019.11.009

Elbow Hemiarthroplasty for the Treatment of Distal Humerus Fractures

Orthop Clin North Am. 2020 Apr;51(2):265-277. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2019.11.009. Epub 2020 Feb 3.

Authors

Nicholas Chang¹, Graham J W King²

Affiliations

¹ Roth | McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care, Western University, 268 Grosvenor Street, Room D0-213, London, Ontario N6A4L6, Canada.
² Roth | McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care, Western University, 268 Grosvenor Street, Room D0-213, London, Ontario N6A4L6, Canada. Electronic address: gking@uwo.ca.

PMID: 32138864
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2019.11.009

Abstract

Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a good surgical option for nonreconstructable intraarticular distal humerus fractures in selected lower-demand patients. The lifetime activity restrictions have not been determined, but are likely less than a total elbow arthroplasty. From a technical standpoint, distal humeral prostheses should be implanted at the correct depth and rotation. The collateral ligaments, condyles, and epicondyles should be preserved and/or repaired to maintain joint stability. Short- to midterm retrospective studies have shown promising results.

Keywords: Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty; Elbow; Fracture.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Elbow*
Elbow Joint / surgery*
Hemiarthroplasty*
Humans
Humeral Fractures / surgery*
Intra-Articular Fractures / surgery*
Joint Prosthesis
Postoperative Care
Preoperative Care
Treatment Outcome