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. 2025 Jun;194(3):957-962.
doi: 10.1007/s11845-025-03960-1. Epub 2025 May 1.

Elbow arthroplasty: an Irish perspective

Nicolaas Leon Kotze  1 , Diarmuid Molony  2   3 , Olivia Flannery  4   3
Affiliations

Elbow arthroplasty: an Irish perspective

Nicolaas Leon Kotze et al. Ir J Med Sci. 2025 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Elbow arthroplasty (EA) aims to restore function and alleviate pain in the elbow joint. Research shows that a higher volume of EAs performed by surgeons and surgical centres correlates with decreased complications, reduced revision rates, and lower healthcare costs.

Aims: This study aims to determine the current landscape of elbow arthroplasty in Ireland.

Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted through surveys distributed to upper limb surgeons in Ireland who performed EAs from October 2022 to October 2024. The survey sought to gather data on the number of procedures completed in the 2-year window. Additionally, it probed surgeons' intentions to continue performing these surgeries and their views on the necessary number of surgeons for adequate service provision in Ireland.

Results: Nineteen surgeons participated, performing a total of 97 elbow arthroplasties over 2 years, which translates to a median of 4 procedures per surgeon (approximately 2 annually). The cohort included 32% distal humerus hemiarthroplasties (DHHs) and 68% total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs), with 60% classified as elective and 40% as trauma-related. All participants indicated a desire to continue performing these procedures.

Conclusion: The low volume of elbow arthroplasty procedures in Ireland underscores the necessity for a national policy focused on enhancing surgical quality and patient outcomes. The insights gained from this data aim to stimulate discussions among elbow surgeons in Ireland, paving the way for effective policy implementation.

Keywords: Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty; Ireland; Surgeon volume; Total elbow arthroplasty.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Total number of elbow arthroplasty performed by Irish upper limb surgeons during their career
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Total number of elbow arthroplasty performed by Irish upper limb surgeons between Oct 2022 and Oct 2024
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Number of EA performed per region and surgeons per region between Oct 2022 and Oct 2024
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Average surgeries per surgeon per region performed by Irish upper limb surgeons between Oct 2022 and Oct 2024
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
DHH vs TEA performed by Irish upper limb surgeons between Oct 2022 and Oct 2024
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Trauma vs elective EA performed and revision surgery performed by Irish upper limb surgeons between Oct 2022 and Oct 2024
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Opinion of Irish upper limb surgeons on number of EA surgeons Ireland should have
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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