The Kudo humeral component as primary hemiarthroplasty in distal humeral fractures

• Background: Treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly is challenging. In patients with very distal fractures and severe comminution, primary arthroplasty has been advocated. Recently, a few reports have described promising results of hemiarthroplasty. This study describes the medium-term results of using the Kudo humeral implant (Biomet Ltd, Bridgend, U. K.) as replacement of the distal humerus. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMaterial and methods: Eight women (mean age, 79 years) were treated. Follow-up was conducted at a mean of 4 years after the procedure and consisted of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), radiographic images, and range of motion (ROM). less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults: All patients had a good or excellent outcome according to the MEPS. Mean ROM was 31 degrees to 126 degrees. Radiographic signs of attrition of the ulna were observed in 3 patients but did not correlate with the functional outcome. A periprosthetic fracture occurred in 1 patient 3 years after the index operation, and ROM was unsatisfactory in 1 patient. No other complications were observed. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusion: The use of the Kudo humeral implant as a hemiarthroplasty resulted in a reasonable functional outcome in the medium-term, but the radiographic signs of attrition suggest that the implant is not recommended as a hemiprosthesis.

Nyckelord

Distal humeral fracture

osteoporosis

Kudo prosthesis

elderly women

elbow hemiarthroplasty

radiographic attrition

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MEDICIN

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