Mid-term outcome of elbow hemiarthroplasty performed in a tertiary elbow hub
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) is a surgical option for managing acute, non-reconstructable distal humerus fractures in elderly and low-demand patients. In England, due to its low-volume nature, EHA is now centralised to designated regional hubs. This study evaluates medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes of EHA performed in a high-volume tertiary elbow hub. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with EHA for acute distal humeral fracture between 2016 and 2024 was performed. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed, and all complications and re-operations were documented. Subgroup analysis compared outcomes for tertiary versus local referrals and for patients aged <80 versus ≥80 years. Results: Fifty-five patients, including 50 (91%) females with a mean age of 75 (57-93), were included. Median time to surgery was 8 days (6-12). Thirty cases (55%) were external referrals. Clinical outcome data were available for 44 patients. Mean follow-up was 44 months (13-101). Median Oxford Elbow Score 44 (40-46) and visual analogue scale 1 (0-2), with a mean flexion arc of 123° (70°-140°). The overall complication rate was 16%, with a 4% re-operation rate (2 patients). No cases of implant loosening or instability were recorded, and no cases required revision surgery. Discussion: Centralised EHA for acute distal humeral trauma demonstrates consistent, good clinical outcomes and a favourable complication profile when compared to the literature and national registry data. These findings support the centralisation of low-volume arthroplasty to hub units.
Source: Shoulder & Elbow
Institutions: University of Sussex, Royal Sussex County Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
OpenAlex ID: W7162200103