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Outcomes in Total Elbow Arthroplasty
Evaluating linked vs unlinked procedures
There may be no clinically significant differences in outcomes after linked or unlinked total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), according to a study of 167 patients having TEAs, including 126 primary TEAs and 41 revision TEAs. Researchers found:
• There was no difference in Oxford Elbow Score (OES) or Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) between linked and unlinked TEAs.
• The OES score in the social-psychological domain was significantly lower in TEAs performed due to fracture compared with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Range of motion (ROM) in extension-flexion was 116° for primary linked TEAs compared with 110° for primary unlinked TEAs.
• Revision TEAs were associated with a poorer outcome in OES, MEPS, and ROM compared with primary TEAs.
• Radiographic signs of loosening were seen in 15 primary and 7 revision TEAs at follow-up.
Citation: Plaschke HC, Thillemann TM, Brorson S, Olsen BS. Outcome after total elbow arthroplasty: a retrospective study of 167 procedures performed from 1981 to 2008. [Published online ahead of print October 8, 2015]. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.07.036.