Introduction As noted in Chapters 85 and 86 , the concepts underpinning the design and results of total elbow arthroplasty are improving with increased basic knowledge of elbow mechanics, better designs, and greater surgical experience. In this chapter the general principles of established and improved designs are described; the concepts—details for specific designs and techniques—are described here as well as in Chapters 88 and 89 .…

Introduction The history of prosthetic replacement properly begins with exoprosthetic replacement. Possibly the first recorded such explant is the so-called Cairo toe dating back to 950 BC. Refinements of exoprosthetic replacement were documented in the 16th century with an articulated upper extremity prosthesis successfully used during battle ( Fig. 85.1 ). The earliest attempts at elbow arthroplasty were resection procedures performed as early as 1780 and…

Introduction I personally continue to be interested in the occurrence of loose bodies in and about the elbow. This interest is reflected in the recent historical review of the subject by Konig. First described in the knee by Ambroise Paré in 1558, loose bodies occur in the elbow with a frequency second only to that in the knee. As in other joints, it is sometimes difficult…

Introduction Today it is recognized that most of the metabolic diseases that affect joints, such as the crystalline arthropathies, are covered under the topic of seronegative arthropathy (see Chapter 78 ). Other than the crystalline arthropathies, with the possible exception of tumoral calcinosis, no metabolic diseases have a special predilection for or a characteristic presentation at or about the elbow joint. Therefore, information is rather limited…

Introduction Over the years since the first edition of this book, primary degenerative arthritis of the elbow is now both well recognized and readily treated. While the pattern of articular changes of the elbow with aging has been studied, from a practical perspective we consider this a “marginal disease.” That is, a consistent pattern of osteophyte formation forms a rim around the margins of the humeral,…