Total elbow replacement as primary treatment for complex fractures of the distal osteopenic humerus

Background: The use of hip and shoulder arthroplasty in elderly patients for grossly displaced intraarticular fractures is becoming more and more accepted. Total elbow replacement (TER) has not been considered an option for the treatment of extensively comminuted fractures of the distal humerus because surgeons feel the outcome is generally not predictable after TER. Evaluation of TER: On the basis of a MEDLINE literature search of this issue and the documented results based on the improvement of implant designs, operative technique and patient selection, TER has a definite role in the treatment of some fractures of the distal humerus.