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Case Reports
. 2020 Oct;10(7):30-33.
doi: 10.13107/jocr.2020.v10.i07.1906.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty in an Older Patient with a Forearm Amputation: A Case Report in a Spastic Elbow

Thibault Gerosa  1 , Jérôme Pierrart  2 , Thibault Lafosse  3   4 , Emmanuel H Masmejean  5   1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Total Elbow Arthroplasty in an Older Patient with a Forearm Amputation: A Case Report in a Spastic Elbow

Thibault Gerosa et al. J Orthop Case Rep. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Total elbow arthroplasty is a common procedure in older patients after comminuted distal humerus fractures. However, in patients with a forearm amputation, this treatment indication is less obvious.

Case report: We report the case of an older spastic patient with bilateral forearm amputation for whom we performed a total elbow arthroplasty for a complex left distal humerus fracture. At 1 year follow-up, our patient was satisfied with the outcome as she had recovered her previous range motion and autonomy. There was no sign of implant loosening or migration on radiographs.

Conclusions: Given that this treatment has the same benefits as in the typical target population and that any complications that may occur could be less devastating in a patient with forearm amputation. We think that elbow arthroplasty should be offered, in case of complex articular fracture, to all older patients with forearm amputation who has functional demands.

Keywords: Elbow replacement arthroplasty; amputation; elderly; forearm; humeral fractures; spasticity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Technical “custom-made” aids used for two stumps. Left: Use for the right stump.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Initial radiographs of the left elbow. Left: Anteroposterior view and right: Lateral view.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Active range of motion at 12 months post-elbow joint replacement. Left: Maximal extension and right: Maximal flexion.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Radiographs at 12 months follow-up. Right: Anteroposterior view and left: Lateral view.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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