Total elbow arthroplasty: An update on surgical techniques and approaches

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has significantly evolved over the last few decades and is used to treat advanced elbow arthritis (rheumatoid, primary, and posttraumatic), trauma sequelae, and acute unreconstructable fractures. TEA design varies between linked, unlinked, and convertible types. Long-term complications including infection, aseptic loosening, instability, and periprosthetic fractures continue to be significant. The current evidence for TEA is summarized in this article, which includes surgical approaches, designs of elbow replacements, outcomes, and surgical tips based on the previous literature.