Elbow Arthritis: Current Concepts

Open debridement and radiocapitellar replacement in primary and post-traumatic arthritis of the elbow: a multicenter study

“…Furthermore, the articular surfaces of the lateral compartment appear to be more vulnerable to trauma, such as fractures of the radial head, fractures of the humeral capitellum, terrible triad injury, and Monteggialike lesion, which often cause post-traumatic degenerative changes of the radiocapitellar joint. 18,21 On the basis of these findings, a new resurfacing prosthesis was designed aimed at replacing only the radiohumeral joint in patients showing primary and secondary osteoarthritis with asymmetrical involvement of the articular surface. 26 After the preliminary results reported by the author, 26 the clinical outcomes of radiocapitellar replacement were evaluated in 3 patients who had a different type of prosthesis, 16 and in 1 with a malunion after humeral shear fracture.…”

The use of a combined rib-latissimus dorsi flap for elbow arthrodesis and soft-tissue coverage

“…It is also contraindicated in case of infection. 5,11,13,16 Our patient had multiple open wounds that were delayed in coverage and had a high risk of infection at the time of the surgery. In fact, 6 months after his elbow coverage, he had a spontaneously developing abscess at a proximal incision site that was not directly connected to his initial wound, suggesting cross-contamination from the injury site during surgery.…”

“…4,17 Long-term results of total elbow arthroplasty show a 43% overall complication rate and 70% to 80% survival rate at 10 years. 11 In young patients, it carries a high risk of loosening of the components. It is also contraindicated in case of infection.…”

Surgical synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis: a comprehensive literature review

“…38,39 Many authors have suggested synovectomy for mild to moderate disease and recommended it for the young and high-demand patients. 35,[40][41][42] Elbow synovectomy can be performed arthroscopically or as an open procedure. Schmidt reported on arthroscopic synovectomy and found it to be most effective in cases when there is ligament laxity in the sense of a late synovectomy, as removal of loose bodies, smoothening of the cartilage, release of the joint capsule and possibly arthroscopy-assisted resection of the radius head can be performed.…”