Elbow Hemiarthroplasty for the Treatment of Distal Humerus Fractures.

Abstract

Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a good surgical option for nonreconstructable intraarticular distal humerus fractures in selected lower-demand patients. The lifetime activity restrictions have not been determined, but are likely less than a total elbow arthroplasty. From a technical standpoint, distal humeral prostheses should be implanted at the correct depth and rotation. The collateral ligaments, condyles, and epicondyles should be preserved and/or repaired to maintain joint stability. Short- to midterm retrospective studies have shown promising results.