Five- to thirteen-year follow-up of the GSB III total elbow arthroplasty

Between 1988 and 1995, the senior author performed total elbow arthroplasty in 28 elbows (23 patients) with the GSB III prosthesis. At the most recent follow-up, 7 patients had died (9 elbows) and 1 had the implant removed because of a deep infection. The remaining 18 elbows (15 patients) were available for clinical and radiographic review at a mean period of 7.6 years (range, 5.5-11.9 years). All 15 patients were satisfied with the results of their elbow replacement, with a mean Mayo elbow performance score of 91 (range, 75-100). The mean flexion/extension and supination/pronation arcs improved by 33 degrees and 67 degrees, respectively. Radiographic follow-up demonstrated progressive loosening in only 1 patient and no progressive loosening in those with an adequate cement technique. Mild or moderate lysis of the distal humeral or proximal ulnar components was noted in 10 elbows, and severe lysis of the distal humerus was seen in 1. Of the patients, 6 (21%) had mild complications: triceps avulsions in 3, superficial wound infections in 2, and an undisplaced fracture of the distal humeral medial condyle in 1. In 4 patients (14%) complications developed requiring reoperation, including exchange of the polyethylene bushing because of wear, debridement of synovitis, resection arthroplasty for deep infection, and exploration of an ulnar nerve palsy. In 2 additional patients (7%), persistent ulnar nerve paresthesias developed postoperatively. Of the 28 elbow replacements performed with the GSB III prosthesis, only 1 required revision because of loosening at a mean follow-up of 7.6 years. The results of this series of GSB III elbow replacements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis demonstrate reasonable survivorship of this prosthesis.