Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has been used effectively to treat various conditions about the elbow for more than 40 years. Recent improvements in implant design and the refinement of surgical techniques have decreased the complication rate and made it an attractive treatment option from which satisfactory results can be expected in most cases. The indications for TEA have expanded, but the main goal of the procedure remains pain relief. This treatment option is most appropriate for low-demand patients who necessitate pain relief at the expense of permanent activity restrictions. Careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and appropriate postoperative rehabilitation are critical to successful outcomes. In this article, we discuss the indications for TEA, preoperative planning, and the design features of our preferred implant including linked and unlinked prostheses. Our surgical technique is discussed in addition to postoperative rehabilitation, complications, and expected outcomes. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.