Instrumented Bone Preserving elbow prosthesis in rheumatoid arthritis: 2-8 year follow-up

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological results of elbow arthroplasty using the instrumented Bone Preserving (iBP) elbow prosthesis, which is the 6th iteration of the Kudo prosthesis, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsFrom December 1999 to August 2006, 20 total elbow replacements in 19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were performed by 2 surgeons using the iBP. The humeral component is uncemented and the ulnar component cemented. There were 14 women and 5 men. The period of follow-up was 2-8 years, with a mean of 49 months. The mean age at time of operation was 62 years (range, 32-80). The Larsen grade and The Mayo Elbow Performance Score were used. Possible radiolucent lines or displacement of the components were evaluated yearly.ResultsThe preoperative radiographs showed that all of the involved elbows were in grade 3-5 with an average of 4.1. All patients had a poor elbow before operation. Two elbows were moderately unstable. Three complications occurred: 1 intraoperative fracture of the medial condyl, 1 postoperative dislocation, and 1 persistent sensory ulnar neuropathy. After surgery, at the last follow-up, 3 patients had fair results, 5 good, and 12 excellent. In 6 cases, radiographic loosening of the ulnar component was observed without any clinical symptoms; none around the humeral component.ConclusionThe iBP elbow prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis shows good to excellent clinical results, despite radiolucency around the cemented ulnar component in some cases.