A medium-term follow-up study of 44 Souter-Strathclyde elbow arthroplasties carried out for rheumatoid arthritis

The results of 44 primary Souter-Strathclyde total elbow arthroplasties performed on 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis are reported, with a mean follow-up of 6 years (range, 17 months–12 years; median, 6 years). Of these patients, 63% reported complete freedom from pain in the elbow, 25% mild intermittent pain, and 12% moderate pain. The mean range of motion at follow-up was 97° (range, 40°-135°). This represented a mean gain of 16.5° of flexion, but only a 1.5° gain in extension. Twenty-sevenelbows had a range of motion of 100° or greater compared with 13 before surgery. There was 1 permanent ulnar nerve palsy and 1 deep infection requiring debridement. Six cases (4%) required revision, 2 for olecranon fractures and 4 for loosening. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis with low functional demand, the Souter-Strathclyde total elbow arthroplasty performs well in abolishing pain and increasing independence in carrying out the activities of daily living. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2002;11:486-92)