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Ulnohumeral Arthroplasty in Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

Purpose : The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness and the problems associated with ulnohumeral arthroplasty in osteoarthritis of the elbow. Materials and Methods : Twelve patients with osteoarthritis of the elbow who underwent ulnohumeral arthroplasty were investigated for an average 43 months (range: 26-70 months). All patients were male and of average age 55 years. All patients had moderate pain and flexion contracture over 30 degrees preoperatively. Eight patients showed symptoms of ulnar nerve irritation. The elbows were evaluated preoperatively and final follow-up involved Mayo Elbow Performance Scoring and radiography. Results : Nine patients were pain-free and three were mildly painful. The mean gain in extension was 16 degrees, in flexion 14 degrees, and in Mayo Elbow Performance Score 20 points. Symptoms of ulnar nerve irritation disappeared in 7 patients. Results were excellent in four, good in six and fair in two. Radiological recurrence of osteoarthritis was noted in two cases with follow-up over 4 years. Conclusion : Ulnohumeral arthroplasty is one of the effective treatment options for advanced osteoarthritis of the elbow, but long term follow-up is necessary to assess the recurrence of osteoarthritis.