Synovectomy and radial head excision in rheumatoid arthritis. 11 patients followed for 14 years
Herold, N.; Schrøder, H.A.
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica 66(3): 252-254
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6470 PMID: 7604708 Document Number: 442517
A radial head excision and partial synovectomy of the elbow through a lateral approach was performed in 24 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. At follow-up examination of 11 patients (12 elbows) 14 years postoperatively, 10 patients were still satisfied with pain reduction and improved elbow motion. 2 elbows had been reoperated on. Radiographic destruction, assessed by the Larsen index, was, on average, 2.9 preoperatively and 3.8 at follow-up.