Outcome of shortened extra-small ulnar component in linked total elbow arthroplasty for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: We compared the clinical and radiological results of the 3-inch shortened ulnar stem of the extra-small component of Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis with those of the other ulnar components for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A total of 33 Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) procedures were performed. Of these, 27 elbows of 25 patients with RA underwent primary TEA. The results of the clinical and radiological findings were compared between groups of patients receiving the shortened ulnar stem of extra-small components (shortened group) and of those receiving the components of the other sizes (control group). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 2.8 years in the shortened group and 7.2 ± 2.5 years in the control group. The Mayo elbow performance score and range of motion results were substantially improved after the operation for both groups. We encountered several peri- and postoperative complications, but no significant differences in clinical results were found between the groups. The control group had three cases of osteolysis around the implant, while the shortened group did not. CONCLUSIONS: TEA with a shortened ulnar implant of the extra-small size of the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis gave satisfactory mid-term results among patients with RA.