The rise of the metal elbow.

Painful arthritis of the elbow joint has long been a challenging problem. Elbow arthroplasty has emerged as viable treatment method for many patients. Implant design and surgical technique have evolved to provide more predict-able symptom relief without compromising function. Elbow arthroplasty can now be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fractures. This review article presents historical and contemporary perspectives on elbow arthroplasty. A thorough discussion of implant design, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes is presented.