Survivorship of the KUDO total elbow prosthesis--comparative study of cemented and uncemented ulnar components: 89 cases followed for an average of 6 years

Total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

AIMS

The aims of this study were to validate the outcome of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to identify factors that affect the outcome.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, and Embase from between January 2003 and March 2019. The primary aim was to determine the implant failure rate, the mode of failure, and risk factors predisposing to failure. A secondary aim was to identify the overall complication rate, associated risk factors, and clinical performance. A meta-regression analysis was completed to identify the association between each parameter with the outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 38 studies including 2,118 TEAs were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 80.9 months (8.2 to 156). The implant failure and complication rates were 16.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.128 to 0.200) and 24.5% (95% CI 0.203 to 0.293), respectively. Aseptic loosening was the most common mode of failure (9.5%; 95% CI 0.071 to 0.124). The mean postoperative ranges of motion (ROMs) were: flexion 131.5° (124.2° to 138.8°), extension 29.3° (26.8° to 31.9°), pronation 74.0° (67.8° to 80.2°), and supination 72.5° (69.5° to 75.5°), and the mean postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 89.3 (95% CI 86.9 to 91.6). The meta-regression analysis identified that younger patients and implants with an unlinked design correlated with higher failure rates. Younger patients were associated with increased complications, while female patients and an unlinked prosthesis were associated with aseptic loosening.

CONCLUSION

TEA continues to provide satisfactory results for patients with RA. However, it is associated with a substantially higher implant failure and complication rates compared with hip and knee arthroplasties. The patient's age, sex, and whether cemented fixation and unlinked prosthesis were used can influence the outcome. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):967-980.

[Elbow prostheses in rheumatic diseases]

When the elbow is destroyed due to rheumatic diseases, the joint can be replaced by a prosthesis and total arthroplasty. Improved pharmaceutical treatment for rheumatic diseases has, however, reduced the number of implantations in these patients. Reported 10-year survival rates of the implant currently achieve 81-90%.; however, due to limited long-term survival of the implant and high complication rates, total elbow arthroplasty should still be used with caution. Continuous technical improvements in the available prostheses and in surgical techniques could lead in the future to a decline in complications, such as aseptic loosening and infections.

A survivorship study of 838 total elbow replacements: a report from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register 1994-2016

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to present the long-term survivorship (20 years) of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for a relatively large population and to compare different prosthesis brands and patient subgroups.

METHODS

Between 1994 and 2017, a total of 838 primary TEAs were reported to the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register. Implant survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk differences were examined using Cox regression analyses and exact Cox regression for rare events. We compared the survivorship of the 8 most frequently used implant brands, the different diagnoses leading to TEA, and the influence of the fixation technique.

RESULTS

The overall 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year survival rates for all elbow arthroplasties were 92%, 81%, 71%, and 61%, respectively. Risk factors for revision were a diagnosis of sequelae after trauma and cementless fixation of the ulna component. There were some differences between the implant brands. The Norway prostheses had higher survival compared with the Kudo after 15 years of follow-up (78% and 66%, respectively; P < .001). Among the implants with shorter follow-up, the IBP and NES had inferior survivorship compared with the Norway. The frequently used Discovery had promising survivorship up to 5 years. The most frequent reason for revision surgery was aseptic loosening, followed by defective polyethylene, infection, and dislocation. The revision causes were to some degree implant specific.

CONCLUSION

Fairly good results in terms of prosthesis survival were obtained with TEA, although results were poorer than for knee and hip arthroplasties.

Comparison of the hospital costs for two-stage reimplantation for deep infection, single-stage revision and primary total elbow arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to determine the cost of two-stage reimplantation for the treatment of deep infection after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and compare this with primary and aseptic revision TEA.

METHODS

Three hundred and seventy-one primary TEA and 286 revision TEAs (including 47 elbows requiring two-stage reimplantation) were performed. Total direct medical costs during each hospitalization were obtained from our institutional research database and compared for three groups: primary TEA, revision for nonseptic reasons and two-stage reimplantation for deep infection.

RESULTS

The mean cost of an uncomplicated primary TEA and aseptic revision TEA was $18,464 and $18,796, respectively. The mean overall cost associated with two-stage reimplantation increased to $34,286. Two-stage reimplantation increased both Part A (hospital costs) and Part B (professional costs). The mean Part A cost for septic revision TEA was $29,102 versus $15,844 for primary TEA. The mean Part B cost for septic revision TEA was $5,184 versus $2,621 for primary TEA.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-stage reimplantation for treatment of an infected TEA costs 186% the hospital cost of a primary uncomplicated or aseptic revision TEA. The overall cost to society is even greater if we take into account the cost of antibiotic therapy in between stages and lost days from work.

Results of cementless total elbow arthroplasty using the Discovery elbow system at a mean follow-up of 61.8 months

BACKGROUND

The available literature on the use of a cementless total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) design and its results are limited. This clinical study reports the outcome of the cementless Discovery elbow system.

METHODS

Patients were operated on by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2014. Nineteen patients (20 elbows) were available for review, 2 women (1 bilateral TEA) and 17 men. The age of the patients ranged from 27 to 75 years (mean, 48 years). The mean follow-up was 61.8 months (range, 12-156 months). Patients were assessed for range of motion, pain, and satisfaction level. Outcome scores included the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the Liverpool Elbow Score, and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (version 1). Radiographs were reviewed to evaluate for loosening.

RESULTS

The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 77.25, and the mean Liverpool Elbow Score was 6.76. The mean flexion range was 123°, and the mean extension lag was 35°. The mean pronation was 59°, and the mean supination was 58°. On radiologic evaluation, there were no signs of loosening; however, in 2 cases, nonprogressive radiolucent lines were observed. No signs of infection were detected at final follow-up, and no elbows were revised. More than 90% of patients were satisfied with the overall outcome.

CONCLUSION

The cementless TEA seems to be a reliable option for treatment of varying elbow diseases. Long-term results are needed to assess the survivorship of this design.

Why does total elbow arthroplasty fail today? A systematic review of recent literature

BACKGROUND

Total elbow arthroplasty is a relatively uncommon type of arthroplasty, which has undergone several design changes in the past four decades. However, research on improvement requires knowledge of failure mechanisms that can be addressed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review on modes of failure of total elbow arthroplasty.

METHODS

We conducted searches on PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify studies describing modes of failure of primary total elbow arthroplasties. The results were coupled per type of total elbow arthroplasty and individual arthroplasty models.

RESULTS

A total of 70 articles were included in this systematic review. 9308 individual total elbow arthroplasties were identified with 1253 revisions (13.5%). Aseptic loosening was the most prevalent reason for revision (38%), followed by deep infection (19%) and periprosthetic fractures (12%).

CONCLUSION

Revision rates have been found similar to a systematic review published in 2003. The revision percentage of total elbow arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis is significantly higher than for trauma and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Aseptic loosening was seen less in linked implants. Infections and periprosthetic fractures did not differ between linkage design groups. Aseptic loosening remains the most frequent cause for revision of primary total elbow arthroplasty. Therefore, more research on the occurrence, progression and risk factors of aseptic loosening should be performed and lead to higher implant survival.

Short-term clinical results of revision elbow arthroplasty using the Latitude total elbow arthroplasty

Aims

Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is often challenging. The aim of this study was to report on the clinical and radiological results of revision arthroplasty of the elbow with the Latitude TEA.

Patients and Methods

Between 2006 and 2010 we used the Latitude TEA for revision in 18 consecutive elbows (17 patients); mean age 53 years (28 to 80); 14 women. A Kudo TEA was revised in 15 elbows and a Souter-Strathclyde TEA in three. Stability, range of movement (ROM), visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and functional scores, Elbow Functional Assessment Scale (EFAS), the Functional Rating Index of Broberg and Morrey (FRIBM) and the Modified Andrews’ Elbow Scoring System (MAESS) were assessed pre-operatively and at each post-operative follow-up visit (six, 12 months and biennially thereafter). Radiographs were analysed for loosening, fractures and dislocation. The mean follow-up was 59 months (26 to 89).

Results

The ROM of the elbow did not improve significantly. The mean EFAS and MAESS scores improved significantly six months post-operatively (18.6 points, standard deviation (sd) 7.7; p = 0.03 and 28.8 points, sd 8.6; p = 0.006, respectively) and continued to improve slightly or reached a plateau. The mean pain scores at rest (Z = -3.2, p = 0.001) and during activity (Z = -3.2, p = 0.001), and stability (Z = -3.0, p = 0.003) improved significantly six months post-operatively. Thereafter scores continued to improve slightly or a plateau was reached. There were no signs of loosening.

Conclusion

Revision surgery using the Latitude TEA results in improvement of functionality, reduced pain and better stability of the elbow. Improvement of ROM of the elbow should not be expected. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1086–92.

Total elbow arthroplasty is moving forward: Review on past, present and future

The elbow joint is a complex joint, which, when impaired in function, leads to severe disability. In some cases however, an arthroplasty might be an appropriate treatment. In the past four decades, large steps have been taken to optimize this treatment in order to achieve better post-operative outcomes. To understand these progresses and to discover aspects for upcoming improvements, we present a review on the past developments, the present state of affairs and future developments which may improve patient care further.

The effect of using a cement gun with a narrow nozzle on cement penetration for total elbow arthroplasty: a cadaveric study

PURPOSE

To compare the cement mantle characteristics associated with use of a narrow nozzle cement gun versus the use of a 60-mL catheter tip syringe.

METHODS

Twelve cadaveric distal humeri were cemented with either a cement gun or a syringe without canal occlusion. The humeri were sectioned and photographed. The corticocancellous junction and the outer margin of the cement mantle were analyzed digitally. The corticocancellous junction defined the available area for cement penetration. The outline of the cement mantle defined the actual area of penetration. The ratio of penetration to the available area was recorded for each slice. The mean ratio for each humerus was multiplied by the number of slices in that sample containing cement to calculate a cement index.

RESULTS

The cement penetration ratios observed in cross-sections at the same level and the cement index were significantly greater with the use of the cement gun than with the use of the syringe. There was no difference in the number of slices that contained cement.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a cement gun with a narrow nozzle improved cement mantle characteristics compared with the use of a syringe when measured in a cadaveric model in the absence of canal occlusion.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Improving cement mantle characteristics may decrease the incidence of aseptic loosening after total elbow arythroplasty.

Results of custom-fit, noncemented, semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty for inflammatory arthritis at an average of eighteen years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

The literature available on the results after noncemented total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in inflammatory arthritis is limited.

METHODS

Ten patients (7 women, 3 men; 14 elbows total) who underwent custom, noncemented TEA from 1988 to 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. The average age was 28 years (range, 17-45 years). Four patients (4 elbows) had rheumatoid arthritis, and 6 patients (10 elbows) had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The mean follow-up was 18 years. All patients underwent a custom, noncemented, semiconstrained TEA with a plasma spray surface designed from preoperative computed tomography scan to achieve metaphyseal fit. The primary outcome was the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and secondary outcomes were flexion and rotation arc of motion. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and revisions performed were also recorded. Radiographs taken at final follow-up were evaluated for evidence of loosening.

RESULTS

The Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from a mean of 35 preoperatively to a mean of 91 postoperatively. Flexion arc of motion improved from 50° preoperatively to 111° postoperatively, and rotation arc improved from 75° preoperatively to 145° postoperatively. Four patients underwent bushing revision at 8, 8, 22, and 22 years (29%), respectively, and there was 1 deep infection (7%). One patient had an intraoperative fracture in the humerus that did not require further treatment. On final radiographic follow-up at a mean of 18 years, all the components were fully ingrown, and there was no evidence of loosening or loss of fixation.

CONCLUSION

In the younger population with inflammatory arthritis, noncemented TEA has reliable outcomes clinically and radiographically at long-term follow-up.

Update on the state of outcome measurement in total elbow arthroplasty research: identifying a need for consensus

BACKGROUND

There is little consensus for a standard set of metrics to express outcome after total elbow arthroplasty. In order to set the stage for future work toward a core set of measurement tools, our goal was to gather a complete view of the outcomes used in total elbow arthroplasty research, the concepts of their focus, and their quality as measures of the target concept.

METHODS

We reviewed the outcome measures for total elbow arthroplasty presented in the literature from 2004 to 2011 in terms of the instruments used and their concepts of focus. We reviewed the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the prevailing measurement tools.

RESULTS

Of the seventy-two articles identified, 90% (sixty-five) used elbow-specific aggregate outcome measures, which combine concepts, such as physiological variables, with symptom status and functional status. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score, or a variation of that scoring system, was used in fifty-four (75%) of the seventy-two articles. Most outcomes pertained to biological and physiological variables, with fewer outcomes focusing on symptoms, function, or overall health status. A review of the measurement properties of the elbow-specific aggregate outcome measures did not reveal one to be superior.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, total elbow arthroplasty outcomes are heterogeneous in their reporting and lack standardization. The total elbow arthroplasty literature relies on several physician-derived elbow-specific aggregate measures and focuses primarily on physiological variables. The relative merits of aggregating findings into a single scoring system versus as separate components should be explored further. Finally, consideration should be given to patient-reported outcome measures in total elbow arthroplasty research.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study of the current "state of practice" for outcome measurement in total elbow arthroplasty revealed gaps in the breadth of measurement and a lack of comparability in elbow scoring systems that could hinder our ability to clearly and fully understand outcome after total elbow arthroplasty. Future consensus work could address both concerns and assist in the development of a core set of outcome measures.

Indications and reoperation rates for total elbow arthroplasty: an analysis of trends in New York State

BACKGROUND

Total elbow arthroplasty was originally used to treat patients with arthritis. As familiarity with total elbow arthroplasty evolved, the indications were expanded to include other disorders. There continues to be a low number of total elbow arthroplasties performed each year in comparison with hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasties, and few large studies have examined the indications and associated complications of total elbow arthroplasty. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the changes with time in the indications for total elbow arthroplasty and to examine the complications of this procedure in a large database.

METHODS

The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database from the New York State Department of Health, a census of all ambulatory and inpatient surgical procedures in the state of New York, was used to identify individuals who underwent primary total elbow arthroplasty during the time period of 1997 to 2006. These total elbow arthroplasties were evaluated for admitting diagnoses, sex and age of patient, readmission and complication data, and time to subsequent elbow surgery.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2006, there were 1155 total elbow arthroplasties performed in New York State. In 1997, 43% of the total elbow arthroplasties were associated with trauma and 48%, with inflammatory conditions. In 2006, this changed to 69% and 19%, respectively. Within ninety days after the primary total elbow arthroplasty, 12% of the patients were readmitted to the hospital with approximately one-half (5.6%) admitted for problems related to the total elbow arthroplasty. The overall revision rate was 6.4%. The revision rates for the traumatic, inflammatory arthritis, and osteoarthritis groups were 4.8%, 8.3%, and 14.7%, respectively. Of particular interest, 90.5% of the total elbow arthroplasties were performed by surgeons with no recorded experience in the database, which began collecting these data in 1986.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides useful information regarding patients undergoing total elbow arthroplasty in New York State. During the study period, the most common indication for total elbow arthroplasty changed from inflammatory arthritis to trauma. Although the number of total elbow arthroplasties being performed each year has increased, there continues to be a high complication and revision rate.

Unlinked and convertible total elbow arthroplasty

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is still in its infancy if we compare it with other arthroplasties such as knee or hip. TEA designs have been evolving with experience; however, long-term outcome data remain limited. The designs of total elbow prostheses can be subdivided into 3 general categories: unlinked, linked, and convertible devices. This article focuses on unlinked and convertible prostheses.

Instrumented Bone Preserving elbow prosthesis in rheumatoid arthritis: 2-8 year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological results of elbow arthroplasty using the instrumented Bone Preserving (iBP) elbow prosthesis, which is the 6(th) iteration of the Kudo prosthesis, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

From December 1999 to August 2006, 20 total elbow replacements in 19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were performed by 2 surgeons using the iBP. The humeral component is uncemented and the ulnar component cemented. There were 14 women and 5 men. The period of follow-up was 2-8 years, with a mean of 49 months. The mean age at time of operation was 62 years (range, 32-80). The Larsen grade and The Mayo Elbow Performance Score were used. Possible radiolucent lines or displacement of the components were evaluated yearly.

RESULTS

The preoperative radiographs showed that all of the involved elbows were in grade 3-5 with an average of 4.1. All patients had a poor elbow before operation. Two elbows were moderately unstable. Three complications occurred: 1 intraoperative fracture of the medial condyl, 1 postoperative dislocation, and 1 persistent sensory ulnar neuropathy. After surgery, at the last follow-up, 3 patients had fair results, 5 good, and 12 excellent. In 6 cases, radiographic loosening of the ulnar component was observed without any clinical symptoms; none around the humeral component.

CONCLUSION

The iBP elbow prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis shows good to excellent clinical results, despite radiolucency around the cemented ulnar component in some cases.

Results after 562 total elbow replacements: a report from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to give results of elbow arthroplasty for a relatively large population and compare different prosthesis brands and different patient subgroups.

METHODS

Between 1994 and 2006, 562 total elbow replacement operations were reported to the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register. Revisions of prostheses were shown using Kaplan-Meier failure curves, and risk of revision was calculated using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall 5- and 10-year failure rates were 8% and 15%, respectively. There were only minor differences between the different implants. Patients who developed traumatic arthritis after fracture had the worst prognosis compared with inflammatory arthritis (P = .005). Risk of revision was also increased when the ulnar component was inserted without cement (P = .02.)

CONCLUSIONS

Good results in terms of prosthesis survival were obtained with total elbow arthroplasty, although results were worse than for knee- and hip arthroplasties. The best results were achieved in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Morphologic analysis of the medullary canal in rheumatoid elbows

Total elbow arthroplasty is a standard approach for patients with arthritic elbows. To design appropriate stems for elbow prostheses, it is important to understand the shape of the medullary canals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shape and size of the medullary canals from normal cadavers and rheumatoid arthritis patients. These canals were measured based on geometric constructions of the 3-dimensional bone models generated from computed tomography images. The cross-sectional area of the medullary canals in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased near the elbow joint as a result of morphologic changes after a long-standing inflammatory reaction. When designing the press-fit component of the humerus, an increase in the width of the transverse diameter of the intramedullary stem could increase stability in the canal. In contrast, for the ulnar component, such morphologic changes would impose difficulty in placing the press-fit model despite an anatomically designed stem. Therefore, a cement technique would be required for improved stabilization of the ulnar component.

Surgical options for the arthritic elbow

Elbow arthritis is a debilitating condition manifesting as a painful, stiff elbow. Surgical treatment is based on disease etiology, severity of degeneration, and patient age. Rheumatoid elbows with mild to moderate disease benefit from arthroscopic debridement and synovectomy, whereas capsular release and ulnohumeral arthroplasty can relieve painful elbows with early posttraumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. Age and functional requirements are treatment determinants for moderate to severe arthritis. Rheumatoid, low-demand, and elderly patients are candidates for total elbow replacement; posttraumatic and osteoarthritic elbows in younger patients with considerable functional demands are treated with interpositional arthroplasty. Total elbow allografts and elbow arthrodeses are considered only in salvage situations.