Objective:

To evaluate long-term outcomes and implant survival of elderly subjects treated with linked total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) specifically for acute distal humeral fractures.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Thirty-seven patients (mean age 80.4 ± 5.1 years) followed for a mean of 107 ± 54 months.
• Good range of motion achieved: flexion 130 ± 8.16°, extension 19.8 ± 11.4°.
• Functional outcomes at final follow-up: VAS 3.3 ± 1.3, MEPS 83.5 ± 7.3, DASH 54 ± 4.4, ASES 78 ± 12.9.
• Revision rate was 11%, and 5-year implant survival was 94.2%.
• Comorbidities did not significantly influence clinical outcomes.

Interpretation:

TEA provides reliable long-term function and pain relief with acceptable complication rates in elderly patients with complex distal humeral fractures.

Limitations:

• Retrospective study design may introduce bias, potentially affecting the reliability of the outcomes.
• Limited long-term data beyond five years in fracture-specific cohorts may restrict generalizability.

Conclusion:

TEA is supported as a primary treatment in selected cases of elderly patients with distal humeral fractures, highlighting its potential for reliable long-term function and pain relief.

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