Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2025 Apr;111(2):103887.
doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2024.103887. Epub 2024 Apr 12.

Mid-term results of total elbow arthroplasties in the treatment of geriatric distal humerus fractures

Arthur Dumoulin  1 , Matthieu Chivot  2 , Emile Dobelle  3 , Jean-Noël Argenson  3 , Damien Lami  3
Affiliations

Mid-term results of total elbow arthroplasties in the treatment of geriatric distal humerus fractures

Arthur Dumoulin et al. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Background: While double plate fixation is the gold standard treatment for distal humerus fractures in the general population, it is the source of many complications in the elderly. Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has been proposed as an alternative treatment, with satisfactory short-term functional outcomes. However, little is known about the longevity of the implant and the mid- and long-term complications of this procedure.

Materials and methods: A total of 58 TEAs were performed in 57 patients with comminuted distal humerus fractures between September 2008 and September 2019. All patients were clinically (ranges of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score [MEPS] and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [QuickDASH] functional scores) and radiographically assessed. The minimum follow-up was 2years, and the mean follow-up was 4.7years.

Results: The overall complication rate was 20.7%, with ulnar nerve damage, complex regional pain syndrome, and severe stiffness being the main complications. The mean MEPS was 85.3, and the mean QuickDASH was 28.1. The mean flexion was 122°, and the mean extension was -23.5°. There were no prosthetic revisions. Of these patients, 17% had radiolucent lines, and 13% had bushing wear at the last follow-up.

Discussion: TEA is an effective technique for treating comminuted distal humerus fractures in the geriatric population. The prosthesis's mid-term survivorship was highly satisfactory, with a complication rate that remained low and was generally lower than that of osteosynthesis, with identical functional outcomes. TEAs are indicated in elderly patients, for whom maintaining the fullest possible autonomy is paramount. Our findings suggest that TEAs have sufficient longevity to guarantee a functional, pain-free elbow with no need for reoperation.

Level of evidence: IV; case series.

Keywords: Arthroplasty; Distal humerus fracture; Elbow; Elderly patient; Osteoporotic fracture.

PubMed Disclaimer