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Biomedical subjects

R W Pritchard

Publications and source records attributed to R W Pritchard.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Total elbow joint arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

As a result of better patient selection, implant design, and surgical technique, the long-term results of total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has improved significantly over the past 10 years. The semiconstrained hinge implant is used in the presence of severe bone and ligament destruction. The non-constrained surface replacement requires intact bone and ligamentous supports. Best results are obtained if surgery is undertaken before severe soft tissue contractures, muscle atrophy, and neurologic disability of the involved extremity develop.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1983

Anatomic surface elbow arthroplasty. A preliminary report.

Whereas loosening of the humeral component of the semiconstrained hinged prosthesis has been reported as one of the major long-term complications of this type of elbow arthroplasty, the major complication related to the use of a semiconstrained nonhinged prosthesis is apparently an increased incidence of long-term dislocation of the ulnar and humeral components. The author has attempted to overcome this problem by including a radial head component for routine use with a three-piece, nonconstrained surface prosthesis for elbow arthroplasty. The importance of the radial head as a transmitter of vertical loading forces across the elbow joint is stressed. The apparent function of the radial head as a primary bony stabilizer of the elbow against valgus stress forces is also described. In addition to the radial head innovation, the new prosthetic design allows for ligament balancing by use of a system of articulating polyethylene spacers snapped onto the ulnar and radial head components. Preliminary results in 13 cases, with a mean follow-up period of 18 months, are noted. Although the author's clinical series is small and the postoperative follow-up period is short, the concepts related to the use of a radial head component and the improved ligament balancing by use of polyethylene articulating spacers seem to be valid.

Adult↗