AO/OTA B and C articular fractures of the distal humerus: What are the boundaries between Total Elbow Arthroplasty and ORIF?

Background: Nowadays, an increasing number of Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA) surgeries have been selected as the primary intervention for distal humerus joint fractures. TEA has demonstrated favorable outcomes in elderly osteoporotic patients and has been associated with fewer complications and reduced stiffness when compared to Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgeries. This retrospective cohort study aimed to analyze differences in terms of functional outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates of distal fractures of the humerus treated with ORIF and TEA.

Long-term outcomes and trends in elbow arthroplasty with Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis: a retrospective study in large group of patients.

Purpose: Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA) was first developed to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, but its uses have grown to encompass end-stage osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and distal humeral fractures. This study analyzes indications changes, long-term survival, complications, and post-operative functional results of the Coonrad-Morrey prostheses, enhancing the existing literature on this technique and substantial case history.

Methods: We included 122 arthroplasties in 117 patients, 28 males and 89 females (mean age of 67 years) treated in our hospital between 2002 and 2016.