Risk factors for reoperation after total elbow arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a treatment option for arthritic conditions of the elbow and for complex distal humerus fractures in the elderly. Complications are common, however, and rates of survivorship vary. The goal of this study was to describe the factors associated with reoperation and revision after TEA.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed primary TEAs performed at 2 tertiary academic medical centers. We identified 102 primary TEAs in 82 patients by 9 surgeons. The average age of the patients was 61 years. Female patients represented 81% of TEAs performed. The mean follow-up was 6.1 years. The principal diagnosis was inflammatory arthritis in 63 patients (62%), acute trauma or post-trauma in 28 (27%), and primary osteoarthritis in 9 (8.8%).

Results: The rate of reoperation was 41% (42 of 102). The median time to the first reoperation was 1.8 years. The percentage of elbows that had 1 or both components revised was 30% (31 of 102). The most common indication for reoperation was component loosening (17). Six elbows were treated definitively with resection arthroplasty, and 1 was revised to an elbow fusion. The rate of implant revision was 27% for inflammatory arthritis, 11% for osteoarthritis, and 57% after trauma. Trauma-related TEA was more likely to undergo additional reoperation (odds ratio, 4.3; P = .008) and implant revision (odds ratio, 3.4; P = .031).

Conclusion: Revision surgery with implant revision after primary TEA is common. Trauma-related TEA often leads to additional procedures.

Keywords: Elbow arthroplasty; complications; elbow arthritis; revision elbow arthroplasty; rheumatoid arthritis; total elbow.