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Interposition Arthroplasty for the Elbow
Interposition arthroplasty of any joint seldom, if ever, results in outcomes as good as those of a well-designed implant arthroplasty, at least with regard to short-term (2- to 3-year) outcomes. In the lower extremity, specifically the hip and knee, the interposition of tissue was never a serious alternative after Charnley and implant arthroplasty of the hip and the continued successful evolution of metal-plastic implants. Although several total elbow arthroplasty implants have been developed over the past three decades, none can withstand moderate postoperative daily demands (lifting of >15 to 20 lb), provide immediate and stable function, and deliver predictable durability (>10 years). Active, healthy patients who have loss of cartilage, limited motion, and disabling pain in combination with an expectation of moderate postoperative demands may not be optimal candidates for total elbow arthroplasty with the use of a linked cemented implant.