Kinematics and constraint of total elbow arthroplasty.

Abstract

Total elbow arthroplasty has been a valuable procedure for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and failed reconstructive procedures of the elbow. Many of the original designs were simple hinge joints, in which intrinsic complete constraint of the articulation predictably resulted in failure by loosening. Subsequently, the development of elbow prostheses diverged into 2 general types: loose hinge (linked) and resurfacing (unlinked). The main concern with such development is instability, which is attributable to numerous factors including prosthesis design, ligament integrity, and position of the prosthesis. A series of studies have been performed to examine the intrinsic constraint of various total elbow arthroplasty designs, as well as the joint laxity after implantation in cadaveric specimens.

• Authors: Kai-Nan An
• Journal: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery (J Shoulder Elbow Surg) 2005 Jan-Feb Vol. 14 Issue 1 Suppl S Pg. 168S-173S ISSN: 1058-2746 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15726077 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Topics

• Arthroplasty, Replacement
• Biomechanical Phenomena
• Elbow Joint (surgery)
• Equipment Failure Analysis (instrumentation)
• Humans
• Joint Prosthesis
• Prosthesis Design