Abstract
During the period 1986-2008, 40 total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) were performed for 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis at our hospital. According to Larsen’s scoring system, one elbow was grade 3, 19 were grade 4, and 20 were grade 5. Thirty-three and 7 elbows were operated using unlinked and linked TEA, respectively. The average Japanese Orthopedic Association elbow score, which was 33.8 points before surgery, improved to 71.3 points after surgery. The TEA for rheumatoid arthritis has high satisfaction of the patient, and it is good clinical resalt. However, measures to subsidence of humeral component are necessary, the unlinked TEA has a limit to severely damaged joints. The improvement of surgical technirues should be necessary.
