The fate of elbow arthrodesis: indications, techniques, and outcome in fourteen patients.

Abstract

Arthrodesis of the elbow remains a salvage procedure. In elbow surgery, it is indicated in cases of painful loss of motion, instability, and infection due to various causes. The literature lacks comprehensive clinical series concerning indications, techniques, and, particularly, outcome in elbow arthrodesis. We retrospectively reviewed our results of elbow arthrodesis in 14 patients. At final follow-up, the chart data of all patients showed favorable results with solid union of the fused elbows, no pain in 8 patients, and moderate pain in 4. In those patients in whom clinical follow-up was possible, after an average 62 months (4-132), noteworthy functional results were observed because of compensatory motion of adjacent joints. The authors outline decisive factors in the decision making process for patients with salvage elbows, as well as the techniques for elbow arthrodesis. Our indications, favorable results, and complications are discussed. A comprehensive review of literature highlights the technical steps necessary for successful elbow arthrodesis.