Nonconstrained total elbow arthroplasty. Development and results in patients with functional class IV rheumatoid arthritis.

Twenty-four nonconstrained total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) in 20 patients with severe disabling functional class IV rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed retrospectively to determine the effects of their disease on the end result. The mean follow-up period was 6 years (range, 2-11 years). All planes of elbow motion improved after surgery (P less than .005), there was a highly significant reduction in pain and improvement in function (both P less than .005) and patient satisfaction was high. The severity of the disease does not appear to affect the end result when a nonconstrained TEA is used, and the results compare favorably with those of other series reported.