Results of the Kudo elbow prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a preliminary report.

Sixteen elbows in 15 rheumatoid arthritis patients had a total elbow replacement with insertion of a non-constrained surface-replacement prosthesis. One patient died of an unrelated cause, but all the others were available for follow-up (mean follow-up period: 35.4 months). The results were graded according to a modified version of the Morrey elbow score. A good result was seen in 13 elbows and a fair result in two. One infection occurred, which was cured with intravenous antibiotics and maintenance of the prosthesis in place; however, recurrent dislocation persisted. Another patient had postoperative instability with recurrent subluxations. Eleven patients were very satisfied and one was satisfied. The total active range of motion increased significantly from 70.3 degrees (SD 29.6) to 97.0 degrees (SD 15.4), mainly by increased flexion. The modified Morrey score increased significantly from 32.7 (SD 13.1) to 89.3 (SD 10.3). Pain decreased from severe (n = 12) and moderate (n = 3) preoperatively to mild (n = 5) and absent (n = 10) postoperatively.