Total elbow arthroplasty is a therapeutic option for severe rheumatoid arthritis. We hypothesized that the semiconstrained characteristics of the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis do not compromise the survival rate of the implant in a rheumatoid elbow.
Between 1997 and 2012, there were 54 Coonrad-Morrey total elbow prostheses performed for rheumatoid arthritis in 46 patients. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. There were 35 women and 11 men with a mean age of 60 years (29-83 years). According to the Mayo classification for rheumatoid elbow, there were 30 type IIIA, 21 type IIIB, and 3 type IV. The surgical procedure was the same for all patients. Survivorship was assessed with use of the Kaplan-Meier method, with revision surgery as the end point.
The survival rate was 97% (95% confidence interval, 83.6-99.6) at 5 years and 85% (95% confidence interval, 68.3-93.7) at 10 years. At an average of 7 years of follow-up (2-16 years), the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 91 points (55-100 points), and the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 34 points (0-75 points). There was a significant improvement in Mayo Elbow Performance Score and in all range of motion at latest follow-up in comparison to preoperative values (P < .0001). Radiolucencies were observed in 6 cases around the humeral component and in 6 cases around the ulnar component. Bushing wear was observed in 16 cases (29%). There were 14 complications (26%). Revisions were performed in 6 of them (11%).
The Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis provides satisfactory results with follow-up. The rate of complications remains high even if the rate of implant revision stayed low.