Discovery® elbow system arthroplasty: results of 10-year follow-up.

Background The semi-constrained Discovery® Elbow System (LimaCorporate, San Daniele del Friuli, Italy) allows varus-valgus laxity of 7° [8]. It has been reported to provide good pain relief and increased range of motion [5, 9] on mid-term follow-up. The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty using the Discovery® Elbow System (LimaCorporate, San Daniele del Friuli, Italy). Materials and methods The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and elbow range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Plain radiographs were obtained to assess radiolucency in the humerus and ulna. The data were extracted from electronic patient records. Results During the follow-up period of 105.4 (range 24.6-179.9) months, 132 patients (153 elbows) underwent surgery. The cause of surgery was rheumatoid arthritis in 105 (71%) cases, posttraumatic or primary arthritis in 17 (13%) and fracture in 10 (6%) patients. The total MEPS increased on average by 35.0 points. Elbow extension deteriorated by 5.0°. Respectively, flexion improved by 10.0° and pronation by 5.0°. The difference in supination was 0.0°. Pain severity improved by 2.5 points in motion and by 5.5 points at rest. During follow-up, 24 (16%) patients needed revision surgery. The most common cause for revision was periprosthetic fracture. Radiolucent lines were seen in all zones in both the ulna and the humerus. The Kaplan-Meier survival at 5 years was 88% and 79% at 10-14 years. Conclusion The Discovery® Elbow System provides good results in ROM and pain relief of the elbow. The revision rate was relatively high (16% of patients). Level of evidence IV.