Outcomes of Revision Unlinked Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Elbow.

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Abstract

[Indexed for MEDLINE] 18. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2024 Feb;110(1S):103759. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2023.103759. Epub 2023 Nov 20. Distal humerus fracture in older patients: ORIF vs. total elbow arthroplasty. Loisel F(1), Amar Y(1), Rochet S(1), Obert L(2). Author information: (1)Department of Orthopedic, Trauma, Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, EA Laboratoire de Nano médecine Imagerie Thérapeutique (LNIT), CHRU of Besançon & CIC IT, 808, boulevard Fleming, 25033 Besançon, France. (2)Department of Orthopedic, Trauma, Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, EA Laboratoire de Nano médecine Imagerie Thérapeutique (LNIT), CHRU of Besançon & CIC IT, 808, boulevard Fleming, 25033 Besançon, France. Electronic address: laurentobert@yahoo.fr. Distal humerus fractures are a contemporary problem because the life expectancy, autonomy and functional demands of older patients continue to grow. This is combined with surgical advances in bone reconstruction, especially in fragile patients. A distal humerus fracture in an older adult is a serious injury with an uncertain prognosis. In fact, damage to the elbow joint in this complex anatomical area overwhelmed by low-quality bone occurs in patients who often have unfavorable characteristics (fragile skin, low physiological reserves, organ failure) combined with pharmaceutical treatments that can be iatrogenic. The treatment indication must not be based solely on the conventional radiographs used for classification purposes; the fracture and bone quality must be analyzed in three dimensions. Also, the surgeon must understand the patient's needs, worries and risks fully to decide between conservative treatment and anatomical locking plate fixation or elbow arthroplasty (hemi or total). In the end, the chosen treatment must allow at least 100̊ and preferably 120̊ of flexion-extension at the elbow. In this age range, the choice between arthroplasty and plate fixation is definitive; the surgical approach must make it possible to carry out either option, with arthroplasty implants available in case the trochlear fracture cannot be plated. The aim of this lecture is to provide a fresh perspective on the anatomy of the distal humerus, its fracture and the best surgical approaches, discuss how to decide on the indication, outline the safest and most reliable ways to reconstruct and stabilize the elbow, and lastly, summarize the expected outcomes and potential complications of each treatment option. Level of evidence: V; expert opinion. Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2023.103759