Revision of total elbow arthroplasty due to humeral loosening with large bone defect using humeral allograft-prosthesis composite: A case report.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Revision of total elbow arthroplasty is a challenging procedure, especially when associated with humeral bone deficiency. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the successful management of humeral-sided loosening due to bone defects, using an allograft-prosthesis composite with a humeral bone allograft. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 70-year-old female patient under medication for rheumatoid arthritis underwent revision of left total elbow arthroplasty due to major bone defect and loosening on the humeral side. The allograft-prosthesis composite method was used to address the bone defect and loosening of the humeral side by using humeral allograft as well as plating the host humeral bone. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: There were no post-operative complications. The radiographic assessment at her latest follow-up was unremarkable, along with a significant improvement on the functional scores and range of motion. CONCLUSION: The use of a humeral allograft is a valuable option for the management of loosened total elbow arthroplasty with significant bone loss. However, more studies need to be conducted to determine the long-term outcomes of revision surgery of total elbow arthroplasty with humeral bone loss.