P Mansat1, H Nouaille Degorce, N Bonnevialle, H Demezon, T Fabre. 1. Service d'orthopédie-traumatologie, institut de l'appareil locomoteur, CHU Purpan, place du Dr-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France. Electronic address: mansat.p@chu-toulouse.fr.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal humerus represent 5% of osteoporosis fragility fractures in subjects over the age of 60. Osteoporosis, comorbidities and intra-articular comminution make management of this entity difficult. HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis was that total elbow arthroplasty could be a reliable treatment option in subjects over the age of 65 presenting with a fracture of the distal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight-seven patients (80 women and 7 men) mean age 79 years old (65-93) underwent total elbow arthroplasty for the treatment of an AO type A fracture in 9 cases, type B in 8 and type C in 70. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 37.5 months (6-106) the Mayo Elbow Performance Score MEPS was 86±14, the quick-DASH score was 24±19 and the Katz score was 5±1.5 points. The MEPS was better in patients with a high preoperative Katz score and a history of inflammatory arthritis who were living at home. Fifty-five patients (63%) presented with a pain-free elbow, and 20 (24%) with slight pain. The flexion-extension range of motion was 97±22° and 48% presented with a flexion-extension arc of at least 100°. Function was normal in 69 patients. Complications were identified in 20 cases (23%) and revision surgery was necessary in 8 (9%). Two arthroplasties had to be changed, one for a fracture of the humeral stem component and the other for loosening. Only one infection occurred in this series. CONCLUSION: Total elbow arthroplasties provide fractured patients with immediate satisfactory results and a stable, painless and functional elbow. These results seem to be reliable and durable. The rate of complications is low with revision surgery in approximately 10%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
INTRODUCTION:Fractures of the distal humerus represent 5% of osteoporosis fragility fractures in subjects over the age of 60. Osteoporosis, comorbidities and intra-articular comminution make management of this entity difficult. HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis was that total elbow arthroplasty could be a reliable treatment option in subjects over the age of 65 presenting with a fracture of the distal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight-seven patients (80 women and 7 men) mean age 79 years old (65-93) underwent total elbow arthroplasty for the treatment of an AO type A fracture in 9 cases, type B in 8 and type C in 70. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 37.5 months (6-106) the Mayo Elbow Performance Score MEPS was 86±14, the quick-DASH score was 24±19 and the Katz score was 5±1.5 points. The MEPS was better in patients with a high preoperative Katz score and a history of inflammatory arthritis who were living at home. Fifty-five patients (63%) presented with a pain-free elbow, and 20 (24%) with slight pain. The flexion-extension range of motion was 97±22° and 48% presented with a flexion-extension arc of at least 100°. Function was normal in 69 patients. Complications were identified in 20 cases (23%) and revision surgery was necessary in 8 (9%). Two arthroplasties had to be changed, one for a fracture of the humeral stem component and the other for loosening. Only one infection occurred in this series. CONCLUSION: Total elbow arthroplasties provide fracturedpatients with immediate satisfactory results and a stable, painless and functional elbow. These results seem to be reliable and durable. The rate of complications is low with revision surgery in approximately 10%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
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