Hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of distal humerus fractures: long-term clinical results

Abstract

Background: Total elbow arthroplasty is a treatment for unreconstructable distal humerus fractures; implant longevity remains a concern, especially in younger patients. However, distal humeral hemiarthroplasty (DHH) offers an alternative with potential long-term advantages.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 10 patients who underwent DHH for distal humerus fractures over a 4-year period (2008-2012) by a single surgeon. Patients underwent testing of range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH), visual analog scale (VAS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Simple Shoulder Test, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores. Average patient age at surgery was 71.9 years (range 56-81 years); average follow-up was 115.2 months (range 96-144 months).

Results: Patients maintained improvements in MEPS (mean 88, range 75-100) and DASH scores (mean 37.1, range 11.21-55.09), along with no statistically significant decrease in range of motion or scores in comparison to either short- or midterm results. Mean VAS score was 2.2 (range 0-7), SANE 69 (range 55-85), ASES 76.66 (range 51.67-100), and CCI 4.3 (range 1-7). Participants had an average flexion of 126° (range: 90°-140°), extension of 36° (range: 30°-45°), supination of 66° (range: 60°-70°), and pronation of 64° (range: 45°-80°). No elbow dislocations, subluxations, or heterotopic ossification were observed. Complications included 1 fracture and 1 complaint of prominent hardware. Four patients were deceased, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up.

Conclusion: This long-term review suggests that DHH may be an effective treatment for certain distal humerus fractures. The data suggest that elbow range of motion and functional use are maintained from comparison with short- and midterm studies, with no appreciable change in radiographic cartilage wear along the radius or ulna.

Keywords: DHH; Distal humerus fracture; EHA; elbow; elbow arthroplasty; elbow fracture; elbow hemiarthroplasty.