Planning in Elbow Hemiarthroplasty

Elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) design includes a cemented stem, an anatomical spool, and a cannulated pin. EHA, gaining popularity in Europe, addresses issues such as fractures, nonunions, post-traumatic stiffness, and avascular necrosis of the distal humerus. It offers advantages over open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), including lower risk of ulnar complications and fewer restrictions on weight-bearing. Acute fractures and salvage of post-traumatic sequelae are the main indications, while a history of infection is one of the main contraindications. A meticulous preoperative planning is crucial to reduce complications, and various surgical approaches are possible, such as triceps-on, Kocher extensile, and para-olecranon, each suited to specific conditions and surgeon preferences.