Abstract
We evaluated 9 patients who underwent TEA using the DOH total elbow system. There were 8 women and 1 man with a mean age of 68 years. All 9 patients were diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis; 6 had painful stiffness and 3 had painful instability.
We used non-constrained-type DOH total elbow system with cemented components. Four patients who had wrist pain underwent the Darrach procedure additionally.
The modified Mayo Elbow Performance Score (mMEPS) was used for clinical evaluation. After a mean follow-up of 15 months, the mMEPS improved from 48 to 86 points, and elbow flexion from 107 to 129 degrees. There was no dislocation or radiological evident loosening.
Two patients were complicated with incomplete ulnar nerve palsy, which was resolved within 1 year. One patient sustained an ulnar fracture distal to the ulnar component at 7 months after surgery. She treated with a cast, and healing was achieved.
We experienced 1 patient who sustained a fracture of the medial epicondyle of the humerus before TEA. This required additional pinning fixation, and clinical evaluation confirmed improvement.
In conclusion, TEA is considered a good technique for rheumatoid arthritis patients with painful elbow.
