Nerve injury in revision total elbow arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Shoulder Elbow SurgApr 30, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOrthopedic Surgery
Hamza Tareen, Michael Fox, Anna Panagitidou et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined nerve injury incidence following revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in 271 patients across 13 studies. The pooled incidence of postoperative nerve injury was found to be 22.3%. The ulnar nerve was most frequently affected, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing recovery.
Key findings
- The pooled incidence of postoperative nerve injury was 22.3% (95% CI 16.3 to 29.6).
- Ulnar nerve injuries accounted for 66.7% of all nerve injuries observed.
- 85.4% of patients with nerve injuries showed partial or complete recovery.
- Pooled complication rates included 10.2% for infection and 25.5% for metallosis.
Why it matters
Understanding the incidence and recovery profile of nerve injuries after revision TEA is crucial for clinicians to anticipate complications and manage patient expectations. This knowledge can inform surgical techniques and postoperative care strategies.