Change in Quality of Life and Cost/Utility Analysis After Elbow Arthroplasty

Abstract

Severe elbow arthropathy occurs most commonly in case of rheumatoid arthritis or other degenerative conditions and following intra-articular fractures. Elbow arthroplasty (EA) has the potential to improve pain, function, and quality of life for the patients with articular destruction. Nevertheless EA is a relatively uncommon surgery, and the survival and complication rates are still not as favorable as those following arthroplasties in other joints. Recent studies indicate an increase in the number of EA procedures performed. In the patients who had undergone EA, some specific functions remained significantly impaired but appeared not to play a decisive role in the performance of tasks of daily living and perception of quality of life in general. Pain reduction is the most important factor affecting quality of life improvement. EA shows a satisfactory cost/utility ratio, which may justify an increase in health spending in this area to reduce the social costs of lingering elbow arthropathy. Continued advances in this field are key to make this operation as reliable and lasting as hip or knee arthroplasty.