Elbow Arthrodesis—A Review

Abstract

Elbow arthrodesis is an uncommonly performed operation, but it has a specific and niche place in the management of difficult elbow pathology. Many indications and contraindications have been reported, but one of the more challenging aspects of this procedure remains choosing the appropriate angle of fusion. Varying results have been reported along with speculations as to why the fusion may not have been obtained, such as lack of bony structure in the site. Common complications have also been reported most notably fractures distal to the plate. One area of future research is that of the reversibility of this procedure; going from a total elbow arthroplasty to an elbow arthrodesis has been studied well but not so for converting an arthrodesis to an arthroplasty. Elbow arthrodesis remains a valuable but niche solution for complex elbow pathologies that cannot be addressed with other commoner elbow operations.