Can Secondary Total Elbow Arthroplasty After Failed Internal Fixation or Non-operative Treatment of Distal Humeral Fractures Achieve Equal Results as Primary Arthroplasty?

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) results in immediate pain release with good functional results after distal humerus fractures. But still open reduction and internal fixation is recommended as treatment of choise due to a lifelong loading limitiation, unknown implant survival and problematic revision surgery after TEA. The purpose of this study was to compare functional results and complication rates after primary total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and TEA after failed reconstruction or non-operative treatment (secondary TEA) in the treatment of distal humerus fractures. We hypothesised that clinical and functional results are better for primary TEA with less complications.