Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of treatment of rheumatoid elbows with Kudo Total Elbow Replacements.
Between 1993–1997 we performed 39 Kudo Total Elbow Replacements in 35 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, aged 39–81 years old (mean age: 60,7 yrs). Eleven patients (13 elbows) were male and 24 (26 elbows) were female. Twenty-eight (28) replacements were performed on the right side and eleven (11) on the left. All the patients were evaluated clinically (pre-op and post-op, using Mayo score system) and radiographically. In seven elbows another procedure (radial head excision (three), radial head excision & synovectomy (three), arthroscopy & interposition arthroplasty(one)) had been performed previously for the rheumatoid arthritis. Eight elbows seemed to have ulnar nerve problems pre-op. We followed-up 31 patients (35 elbows). Mean follow-up was 5years (range: 4–8 years).
The pre-operative pain had been reduced significantly in almost all patients. In the majority, the movement had also been improved post-operatively. Two elbows were unstable (one subluxated, one dislocated). Both presented early postoperatively. Only one patient developed a postoperative ulnar nerve problem and that resolved. One elbow had a delay in wound healing. Radiolucency appeared around both the humeral and ulnar components in five elbows, around humeral component in two and around ulnar component also in two. Five elbow replacements were revised. Four of them due to aseptic loosening and one due to instability problem (dislocation). No deep infection was noticed in any elbow.
In our hands, Kudo Elbow Replacements seemed to have aseptic loosening rates comparable to other series and low dislocation rates.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Emery. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
