Abstract
Background: Total elbow prostheses are broadly classified into linked and the unlinked categories. We have looked at long-term results of unlinked Kudo 5 total elbow replacement used in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 2 hospitals.
Methods: 87 Kudo 5 Total elbow replacements in 70 patients with adult rheumatoid arthritis were performed at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough and City Hospital, Nottingham by 2 specialist elbow surgeons, the senior authors. 16 patients had died and 8 patients were lost to follow up. 62 elbow replacements in 46 patients were evaluated at a mean follow up of 79 months [29–137 months] using the Mayo Clinic Performance Index. Postoperative radiographs were also reviewed for loosening using standard anteroposterior and lateral films
Results: Preoperatively 6 had moderate pain and 56 had severe pain. Postoperatively the pain was rated as none or mild by 58 and moderate by 4. The average Mayo Elbow Score improved from 37 preoperatively to 86 postoperatively. The mean arc of flexion/extension improved from 60 to 99 degrees. There were 14 complications including ulnar neuropraxia, fracture, dislocation, triceps rupture and loosening. 4 cases were revised, 2 for aseptic and 2 for septic loosening. Postoperative radiographs showed 5 cases with loosening around the ulna component.
Conclusions: The long-term results using the Kudo 5 elbow prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are acceptable and comparable to other series reported of this implant. To date this is the largest series reported with the longest follow up using this implant.
The abstracts were prepared by Cormac Kelly. Correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, British Elbow and Shoulder Society, Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
