Management of rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow with a convertible total elbow arthroplasty

Recent advances in unlinked total elbow arthroplasty in Japan

Background

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a valuable therapeutic approach for improving function and relieving pain in severely deformed elbow joints. However, TEA is associated with a high incidence of complications. In Japan, the use of unlinked TEA has a long history, with the development of the Kudo prosthesis marking a significant milestone. Subsequently, various unlinked implant designs have been developed. Although favorable long-term clinical results have been reported, complications remain a concern. To further improve the outcome of unlinked TEA, attempts have been made in recent years to develop various surgical approaches and intraoperative support devices. This review focuses on the clinical outcomes and recent advances in unlinked TEA in Japan.

Methods

A comprehensive review of clinical results and advancements in unlinked TEA in Japan was conducted. The analysis included trends in the number of TEA, medium-term and long-term results for unlinked TEA, surgical approaches, or preoperative planning techniques.

Results

Several implant designs have been developed in Japan. Clinical studies have reported satisfactory long-term outcomes with these implants, but complications, such as infection, fractures, and dislocation, have been observed. In order to enhance the outcomes of unlinked TEA, various triceps-on approaches have been developed as alternatives to the triceps-detaching approach, which compromises the continuity between the triceps tendon and ulna, leading to inevitable complications related to the triceps tendon. Preservation or repair of the surrounding soft tissues is considered critical for preventing postoperative instability due to the absence of a radial head in the current unlinked TEA design. Computed tomography-based 3-dimensional preoperative planning has been pioneered in Japan, demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting implant size and achieving appropriate implant placement. Additionally, augmented reality-assisted surgery is being explored to accurately translate preoperative planning into the surgical procedure.

Conclusion

Unlinked TEA for inflammatory arthritis has exhibited promising long-term results in Japan, with ongoing efforts to improve surgical techniques and preoperative planning. Further advancements are anticipated to prevent complications such as dislocation and peri-implant fractures.

Rehabilitation after total or hemi elbow arthroplasty: a systematic review

Introduction

Total and hemi elbow arthroplasty (TEA/HEA) are relatively uncommon orthopedic procedures, but physiotherapists are involved in both pre- and postoperative treatment of people who undergo TEA/HEA. The purpose of this article is to summarize existing knowledge about the effects of rehabilitation versus standard care after total and hemi elbow arthroplasty (TEA/HEA).

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted searching Ovid MEDLINE ®, SweMED+, Cochrane, Embase, AMED and PEDro. "The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" was followed.

Results

No one has studied the effects of rehabilitation after TEA/HEA. The aim of the only study included was to assess the safety and length of hospital stay (LOS) after omission of casting, start of early mobilization and implementation of functional discharge criteria. Results show that the non-casting cohort had a shorter mean LOS (5.4 days) than the index cohort (6.2 days). The cohort with functional discharge criteria had a shorter mean LOS (3.8 days) than the cohort without functional discharge (5.4 days).

Conclusion

Effects of rehabilitation components or programs after TEA/HEA are still unknown. It is important to focus on the lack of evidence in this field, and plan for more studies to come.

Valgus instability and related factors beyond 2 years following unlinked total elbow arthroplasty

HYPOTHESIS AND BACKGROUND

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), categorized into linked and unlinked types, is a commonly reported treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow. Although unlinked TEA preserves bone, it may result in instability. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of unlinked TEA in rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow beyond 2 years and to identify factors correlating with postoperative valgus instability of unlinked TEA.

METHODS

This study included patients who underwent TEA for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow at our department between August 2009 and January 2017, with a follow-up period exceeding 2 years. Elbow joint range of motion (ROM) and clinical scores were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Factors contributing to valgus instability, such as the Larsen grade, sex, age, side, preoperative ROM, postoperative ROM, implant placement, preoperative carrying angle, and the use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), were also assessed.

RESULTS

This study encompassed 26 elbows from 23 patients, with a mean patient age at surgery of 64.8 years and a mean follow-up duration of 92.4 months. Significant improvements were observed in the ROM (extension: from -31° preoperatively to -21° postoperatively [P = .02], flexion: from 116° to137° [P < .001]), Japanese Orthopaedic Association-Japan Elbow Society Elbow Function Score (from 45.9 to 86.3 points [P < .001]), and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (from 43.6 to 91.7 points [P < .001]). At the last follow-up, 2 elbows exhibited radiolucent lines around the humeral stem, whereas 7 had valgus instability. Factors correlated with valgus instability included total arc at the final follow-up, preoperative carrying angle, and the use of bDMARDs.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Unlinked TEA demonstrated favorable midterm outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow, albeit with occasional valgus instability. Surgeons should consider preoperative carrying angle and bDMARD use, and exercise caution regarding intraoperative extensions.

Prevalence of wound infections and postoperative complications after total elbow arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence of surgical site wound infections and postoperative complications after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for clinical research and application. Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang databases were electronically searched to collect clinical studies on the application of TEA in the treatment of RA from inception to August 2023. Two independent researchers performed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. A meta-analysis was performed using the R 4.3.1 software. Overall, 26 studies with a total of 2374 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that after TEA in patients with RA, the prevalence of surgical site wound infections and postoperative complications was 3.37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.68%-4.13%), and 31.63% (95% CI: 24.97%-38.28%), respectively. The prevalence of surgical site wound infections is low, whereas that of postoperative complications is high; thus, the safety of TEA remains debatable. Owing to limitations on the quality and number of included studies, the findings need to be verified in higher-quality studies.

Arthroscopic Partial Excision of the Radial Head for Advanced Rheumatoid Elbow

We treated humeroradial joint disorder in rheumatoid elbows with arthroscopic partial excision of the radial head, in which the radial head is minimally resected under arthroscopy to ensure adequate joint space and articular congruity. To examine the effect of this method, we investigated outcomes using a retrospective case series. The hypothesis of this study was that this method decreases symptoms related to the humeroradial joint and ensures articular congruity. Since 2008, we have performed arthroscopic partial excision of the radial head for 14 patients (15 rheumatoid elbows) with more than 2 years of follow-up. Surgical indications for this method were motion pain with crepitus around the humeroradial joint and joint narrowing and sclerosis on plain radiography. After synovectomy, the surface of the radial head was resected 4 to 5 mm under arthroscopy, ensuring adequate joint space and articular congruity. Osteophyte removal and anterior capsular release were performed if necessary. At the final follow-up of 54 months, pain around the humeroradial joint had resolved in all cases. Range of motion improved from 115° flexion, -39° extension, 55° pronation, and 54° supination preoperatively to 127° flexion, -27° extension, 60° pronation, and 65° supination postoperatively. The articular congruity of the humeroradial joint was well maintained at final follow-up, with the exception of 2 cases in which the space decreased after 4 years. Arthroscopic partial excision of the radial head is a promising procedure for improvement of humeroradial symptoms. This method is effective, even for advanced cases, and should be considered before total arthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(4):209-214.].

Functional outcomes and complications following convertible primary total elbow arthroplasty: A single surgeon series

BACKGROUND

The data on convertible total elbow arthroplasty are limited and primarily based on multiple centre/multiple surgeon series. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term functional outcomes, radiological findings, complications and survivorship of the Latitude total elbow arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon.

STUDY DESIGN & METHODS

The study included 13 patients (10 females, mean age of 72 years and varying indications) over eight years. The Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of movements (ROM), Subjective Elbow Value (SEV), satisfaction score (SS) and the revision rate of the implant per 100 observed component years (OCY) were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 5.9 years (3-10 years). The Oxford Elbow Score/Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 15 to 42 (p value < 0.005)/26% to 93% (p value < 0.005) respectively. The arc of extension-flexion/supination-pronation improved from 63° to 106° (p = 0.00002)/123° to 142° (p = 0.32) respectively. The Subjective Elbow Value/Satisfaction Score was 83/98 respectively. There was one re-operation for a deep infection. There were no radiologic signs of loosening and the revision rate was 0.15 per 100 observed component years.

CONCLUSIONS

With careful patient selection, convertible total elbow arthroplasty provides patients with good to excellent outcomes and substantial improvements in the range of movements.

Triceps Insufficiency After Total Elbow Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The incidence of triceps insufficiency after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) varies in the literature, and a consensus on treatment strategy is lacking. We review the incidence, the risk factors, the clinical presentation, and the diagnosis and treatment of triceps insufficiency after TEA. Based on this information, we have formulated recommendations for clinical practice.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature from January 2003 to April 2020 to identify studies that investigated triceps function following TEA by searching the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Eligible studies (1) reported on triceps function following primary or revision TEA for every indication, regardless of technique (e.g., bone grafts), (2) included ≥6 adult patients, (3) had the full-text article available, and (4) had a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

RESULTS

Eighty studies with a total of 4,825 TEAs were included. The quality was low in 15 studies, moderate in 64 studies, and high in 1 study. The mean incidence of triceps insufficiency was 4.5%. The rates were highest in patients after revision TEA (22%), in those with posttraumatic arthritis as an indication for surgery (10.2%), and after a triceps-reflecting approach (4.9%). Most studies used the Medical Research Council scale to score triceps function, although cutoff points and the definition of triceps insufficiency differed among studies. Surgical treatment showed favorable results with anconeus tendon transfer and Achilles allograft repair when compared with direct repair.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of triceps insufficiency varies greatly, probably due to a lack of consensus on the definition of the term. Therefore, we recommend the guidelines for clinical practice that are presented in this article. These guidelines assist clinicians in providing the best possible treatment strategy for their patients and help researchers optimize their future study designs in order to compare outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.