Late results of the Souter-Strathclyde total elbow prosthesis in rheumatoid arthritis 6/19 implants loose after 5 years

We performed total elbow replacement, using the Souter-Strathclyde prosthesis in 19 elbows of 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and followed the patients for 5 (1-11) years. Pain relief was achieved initially in all patients. The average range of flexion-extension was increased by 12° and pronation-supination by 40°. There were no infections. 1 patient sustained an intraoperative fracture of the medial epicondyle, 3 patients developed neuropathies and 1 patient had an immediate postoperative dislocation of the joint.

At follow-up, 6 prostheses had radiographic loosening, with sagittal tilting and migration of 4 humeral components. 2 patients had clinical symptoms of loosening.