JSES - 2026-03-26 - Journal Article
Custom Distal Humeral Replacement with Locked Flange in Revision Total Elbow Arthroplasty.
Raja H, Shaath M, Raval P, Asaad O, Falworth M, Majed A, Rudge W, Butt D, Higgs D
Topics
Key Takeaway
Custom uncemented distal humeral megaprosthesis with locked flange achieved functional improvement and an 18% reoperation rate at mean 32 months in 11 revision TEA patients with severe bone loss.
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Summary
This single-institution registry study evaluated a novel custom uncemented distal humeral replacement with locked flange in 11 revision TEA patients (mean 6 prior procedures) with significant distal humeral bone loss from aseptic loosening, infection, failed fixation, or periprosthetic fracture. All patients demonstrated improvements in ROM, Oxford Elbow Score, SANE, EQ5D, and pain scores. Two patients (18%) required further surgery: one for implant dissociation and one for recurrent deep infection.
Key Limitation
The cohort of 11 patients with heterogeneous indications, variable follow-up, and no control group makes it impossible to isolate implant-specific outcomes or compare meaningfully against APC or allograft alternatives.
Original Abstract
BACKGROUND
Revision total elbow arthroplasty (rTEA) is increasing as the number of primary TEA increases. In a revision setting, surgeons often face the challenge of distal humeral bone loss. Techniques described include large segment allografts, allograft prosthetic composites (APC) and megaprosthesis. Within the literature there is limited evidence on the use of megaprosthesis in a revision TEA setting for non-tumour indications. We present our institutions experience of managing significant distal humeral bone loss in this context using a novel custom uncemented distal humeral replacement with a locked flange.
METHODS
Patients were identified using a tertiary centres local joint registry alongside electronic patient records. Variables collected included: patient demographics, indication, number of previous surgeries, range of movement, complications, Oxford Elbow Score, Pain, EQ5D and SANE scores. ResultsThe cohort comprised 11 custom distal humeral replacements. The mean age was 66 years (Range 47-79). Mean follow up was 32 months (range 6-93). The mean number of prior procedures was 6. Indications for the rTEA were 4 for aseptic loosening, 5 for infection, 1 for failed fracture fixation, and 1 peri-prosthetic fracture. The cohort demonstrated improvements in their range of movement as well as mean Oxford elbow score, SANE, EQ5D and pain score. Two patients have since required further surgery, one due to implant dissociation and one due to recurrent deep infection.
CONCLUSION
Bone loss in the distal humerus can provide a complex challenge in the revision setting. The use of custom megaprosthesis has evolved due to challenges associated with alternative strategies. However, there is limited data in the literature regarding outcomes in a non-tumour setting. We report good early to mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a custom uncemented distal humeral replacement with a locked flange design, and a lower complication rate compared to alternative surgical techniques reported in the literature.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study; Key Words: Custom implant, Revision Elbow Arthroplasty, Total Elbow Arthroplasty, Megaprosthesis.