Total Elbow Arthroplasty from Indian Perspective: A Systematic Review

Background Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) provides satisfactory pain relief and restores elbow range of motion and function in patients with end-stage arthritis. Due to advances in implant design and surgical techniques, the indications for surgery have expanded to include various other conditions affecting the elbow. The previous studies and systematic reviews reported satisfactory mid-term and long-term clinical outcomes after TEA with relatively stable complication and revision rates. However, there is lack of information in the literature about the results of TEA in Indian patients. Methods Two reviewers performed a comprehensive literature search using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in three online databases-Pubmed/MEDLINE, Google scholar and the Cochrane database for clinical trials. Only original studies published in the English literature reporting outcomes of primary TEA in Indian patients were included for analysis. Using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were screened and the relevant articles identified. Data were extracted with the primary objective to assess pain relief and functional outcome after TEA in Indian patients, and secondary objective to identify indications for surgery, complication rates and incidence of implant removals. Results A total of 212 TEAs (210 patients) from ten articles were included in this systematic review. All the TEAs were done using Baksi's semi-constrained sloppy-hinged elbow prosthesis. The most common indication of TEA was post-traumatic sequelae (124 elbows, 58.5%), followed by comminuted intra-articular fracture distal humerus (53 elbows, 25%). At a weighted mean follow-up of 7.5 years, 80.7% cases had complete pain relief. The weighted mean flexion, extension restriction, supination and pronation were 122.6 degrees, 20.8 degrees, 57.3 degrees, and 48.6 degrees; respectively. The weighted mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 92.1 points with excellent outcome. Overall, a total of 68 complications were reported (32%) and the implants needed to be removed in 14 elbows (6.6%) including two revisions. Conclusions This systematic review found that the functional outcome and pain relief obtained with TEA using Baksi's sloppy-hinged prosthesis in Indian patients were satisfactory overall. The complication rates and implant removal rates were lower than those reported with other patient populations.