[Total elbow arthroplasty in complicated distal humerus fracture--a case report]. / Calkowita endoprotezoplastyka stawu lokciowego w skomplikowanym zlamaniu dalszej nasady kosci ramiennej--opis przypadku.

BACKGROUND: Total elbow arthroplasty is still a rarely performed surgical procedure in distal humerus fractures. Reconstruction and osteosynthesis using Locking Compression Plates remains the gold standard for treatment of such types of fractures. CASE REPORT: We report a case of 51-year-old man with distal humerus fracture and early destabilization of primary osteosynthesis, successfully treated with total elbow arthroplasty, resulting in excellent physical function of the operated elbow. RESULTS: Several studies performed over the last decades demonstrated that total elbow arthroplasty in many cases may be a beneficial method of treatment. Osteoporosis, comminuted fractures, older age and early destabilization of primary osteosynthesis are the most common indications for considering elbow arthroplasty.