A Novel Hemiarthroplasty Design for Treatment of Post-traumatic Elbow Ankylosis and Distal Humerus Nonunion: A Case Report. Issue 4 (27th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gabig, Andrew M.; Malmquist, Jacob A.; Brady, Christina I.; Dutta, Anil K.
• Is Part Of: JBJS case connector. Volume 12:Issue 4(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10-27
• Subjects: distal humerus hemiarthroplasty -- DHH -- nonunion -- elbow -- ankylosis -- extramedullary plate fixation; Orthopedic surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00393
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-3251

Abstract

Abstract : Case: A 26 year old man sustained a blast injury to the right elbow, resulting in chronic distal humerus nonunion and post-traumatic ankylosis. After debridement and flap coverage, a custom distal humerus hemiarthroplasty construct with extramedullary orthogonal plating was used. Satisfaction and functional outcomes were maintained through 6 years of follow-up. Conclusion: This case presents a unique 1-stage surgical solution which demonstrates the potential for uncemented extramedullary hemiarthroplasty fixation with simultaneous compression plate osteosynthesis across a nonunion site. The potential for hemiarthroplasty designs to be linked to orthogonal plates preserves the intramedullary canal for future conversion to total elbow arthroplasty if necessary.