Study: More Fare Well With Souter-Strathclyde Elbow Prostheis

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who receive a Souter-Strathclyde total elbow prosthesis fare about as well as patients who receive other prostheses, according to a study reported in the March issue of the Journal of Joint and Bone Surgery.

However, researchers from Leiden University Medical Center noted that loosening of the humeral component of the Souter-Strathclyde prosthesis remains a concern.

The researchers made these conclusions after studying 166 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received a total of 204 Souter-Strathclyde elbow prostheses. The researchers followed the patients for an average of 6.4 years.

The researchers noted that the prostheses in 24 elbows had to be revised, including 10 because of loosening of the humeral component. The rate of implant survival was 77.4% after ten years and 65.2% after eighteen years.

Total elbow arthroplasty has become a well-accepted treatment for the painful elbow joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Souter-Strathclyde total elbow prosthesis is one type of prostheses available to such patients. The researchers also noted that total elbow replacement is associated with a high complication rate and is warranted only for seriously disabled patients.

Other sources: Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 2004 Mar;86-A(3):465-73