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Adult Reconstruction
intermediate
X-Type

Total Elbow Arthroplasty - Linked vs Unlinked Design and Complications

Upper Limb Arthroplasty

A 65-year-old woman with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis presents with severe pain and stiffness in her dominant right elbow. Radiographs show complete joint destruction with bone loss. She has difficulty performing activities of daily living. The surgeon discusses total elbow arthroplasty options including linked (semi-constrained) versus unlinked designs, and emphasizes the importance of lifelong activity restrictions. Regarding total elbow arthroplasty implant design and complications:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

LINKED (semi-constrained) TEA has a SLOPPY HINGE mechanism allowing 7-10 degrees varus-valgus laxity...

B

UNLINKED (resurfacing) TEA relies on INTACT SOFT TISSUES for stability, particularly the medial and ...

C

The ULNAR NERVE does not need to be identified during TEA; TRICEPS insufficiency is a minor complica...

D

ULNAR NERVE must be identified, protected, and often TRANSPOSED ANTERIORLY during TEA as it runs pos...

E

LIFELONG WEIGHT RESTRICTION (2-5kg) is mandatory to minimize bushing wear and loosening; ASEPTIC LOO...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option