抄録
Total elbow replacement with the Swanson prosthesis, a new type of constrained prosthesis, was performed on 26 elbows in 22 patients from 1973 through 1984, and the results were evaluated using a scoring system. The follow-up period was more than two years, with an average of 63.9 months. Preoperative diagnoses were of rheumatoid arthritis in 21 patients, post-traumatic arthritis in 3 and hemophilic arthritis in one and Charcot's joint in one.
Results were excellent in 17 elbows (65%), good in 7 (27%) and poor in 2 (8%) . Complete postoperative relief of pain was observed in 24 of 26 elbows (92%) . The range of flexion of the elbow and rotation of the forearm were much improved. However, the average range of extension decreased 10 degrees.
Complications included ulnar nerve paresthesias in 3, triceps weakness in 2, loosening in one, infection in one and fracture of the humeral shaft in one. Whereas 4 cases showed radiolucent lines radiographically, only one case had loosening (3.8%) . This constrained prosthesis has a design consisting of Vitallium with a high density polyethylene bushing around the metal pin and a wellfitted prosthesis which reduces the incidence of loosening. It is well indicated for patients with grossly unstable elbows such as in advanced rheumatoid arthritis.
