Efficacy and safety of elective primary total elbow arthroplasty in the last 25 years: a systematic review.
Dimitris Challoumas, Tin-Ning Wong, Brendan Barrett et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review pooled functional and safety outcomes from 76 studies of elective primary total elbow arthroplasty, comprising 4,254 procedures; the main indication was rheumatoid arthritis. Across follow-up periods, the review found meaningful improvements in pain, function and range of motion. At long-term follow-up (>5 years of mean follow-up), the weighted mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 82 points, and late survivorship (at least 7 years of mean follow-up, with revision as the endpoint) was 86.3%. The authors also reported substantial reoperation and complication rates.
Key findings
- At long-term follow-up (>5 years of mean follow-up), weighted mean pain visual analog scale was 1.9 points and Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 82 points.
- Long-term weighted mean flexion-extension and pronation-supination arcs were 106 and 137°, respectively.
- Late survivorship was 86.3% at at least 7 years of mean follow-up, with revision as the endpoint.
- Weighted mean all-cause reoperation was 16.8%; deep infection was 3.2% and periprosthetic fracture was 6.8%.
Why it matters
The review indicates that elective primary TEA can provide sustained improvements in pain, function and motion, while also carrying meaningful risks of revision, reoperation and complications. These pooled estimates help frame the potential benefits and burdens of the procedure when discussing outcomes, although the evidence combines results from multiple studies and follow-up periods.
What to keep in mind
The review pooled studies with differing follow-up durations and based short-, mid- and long-term categories on the included studies’ mean follow-up. The abstract does not report study-level quality or heterogeneity.