This study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty.

Thirty-nine elbows with semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty and who were followed up for at least 3 years were enrolled in this study. There were 29 and 10 cases in the non-traumatic arthritis and traumatic arthritis groups, respectively. The mean age at the time of surgery was 53.9 years, and the mean follow-up period was 54 months.

At the last follow-up, the pain score during motion decreased from 7.37 to 1.23. The Mayo elbow performance score was 86. The mean loss of terminal extension improved from 32° to 11° and the mean maximum flexion improved from 90.3° to 125.2°. Radiology analysis, 15 elbows showed radiolucency and 8 elbows showed loosening. There were 13 cases of radiolucency and 7 cases of loosening in the non-traumatic arthritis group. In the traumatic arthritis group, there were 2 cases of radiolucency and 1 case of loosening.

Semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty for non-traumatic and traumatic arthritis of the elbow produced satisfactory functional results. The non-traumatic arthritis group had a higher incidence of radiolucency and loosening than the traumatic group.