Motion and laxity of the capitellocondylar total elbow prosthesis.

The motion and laxity of the capitellocondylar unconstrained total elbow prosthesis were assessed, with use of an electromagnetic tracking device and stimulated muscle-loading, after implantation in seventeen cadaveric elbows. The axis of motion of the elbows with the capitellocondylar implants averaged 2.1 +/- 2.3 degrees more varus angulation than that of the intact elbows. This difference may be attributed to the design of the implant, as the 5-degree-valgus humeral component used in this study has a smaller valgus inclination than the articular surface of the distal aspect of the humerus. Although the maximum valgus-varus laxity of the capitellocondylar elbow prostheses was, on the average, 4.3 +/- 2.4 degrees greater than normal (with simulated muscle-loading), the data must be interpreted in light of the fact that this in vitro study did not allow for soft-tissue healing. The prosthetic components tracked well, and there were no dislocations or malarticulations provided that appropriate soft-tissue tensioning and positioning of the components had been achieved at the time of implantation. Sectioning of either the medial or the lateral collateral ligament resulted in gross instability of the joint after capitellocondylar arthroplasty. The ulnar attachment of the medial collateral ligament was found to be vulnerable to injury during the positioning of the ulnar component of this implant.