Abstract
A DOH-type total elbow prosthesis (nonconstrained type with an intramedullary stem), was designed to obtain firm fixation and reduce bone resection, was implanted into 24 elbows in 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Postoperative assessment was performed according to the revised criteria by Dee-Kudoh. The average period of follow up was 16 months with a minimum of five. Excellent results were obtained in 17 elbow joints, fair in 5 and poor in2. The cause of poor results was postoperative instability of prostheses, but one of the two was evaluated as fair after re-operation.
We assume that firm fixation of the implanted prosthesis and exact repairing of the fascial layers around the joint are mandatory for initiating early exercise and obtaining a satisfactory range of motion of the operated-on joint.
