Successful outcome of the Souter-Strathclyde elbow arthroplasty.

This study describes a consecutive series of 68 primary Souter-Strathclyde elbow replacements performed in a predominantly rheumatoid population, compares survivorship and complication profile with published series, and analyzes factors associated with successful outcome. Survivorship at 10 years was 74%, with at least 5 years' follow-up in 25 prostheses and a satisfactory Mayo score in 92% of all 68 elbows. These results compare acceptably with those from specialized elbow units. Careful component selection with regard to joint stability and bony fixation are important factors in the successful outcome of the Souter-Strathclyde arthroplasty. Use of a long-stemmed prosthesis was associated with a significantly better outcome after intraoperative fracture, and revision to a linked articulation was the most reliable treatment for instability.