Midterm results of revision total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of 30 revision total elbow arthroplasties in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using original surface prostheses developed in our institution. We asked whether a surface prosthesis is a suitable option for reconstructing a failed surface total elbow arthroplasty in terms of reproducing clinical performance compared with other devices such as semi-constrained prostheses. All 30 failed total elbow arthroplasties were performed with various surface prostheses and revised with Dogo Onsen Hospital surface prostheses. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 64.9 years (range, 44-83 years), and the minimum follow-up was 3 years (mean 6.7 years; range, 3-11 years). The Mayo elbow performance index improved from 42.3 preoperatively to 76.3 at last follow-up. Pain, stability, and function scores improved after revision surgery, but range of motion scores were unchanged. Our data indicate a surface prosthesis is a reasonable option for reconstructing failed surface total elbow arthroplasties in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.