INTERPOSITION-ARTHROPLASTY OF THE ELBOW: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the main methods and indications of interposition arthroplasty in the rigid elbow. METHODS: The research was carried out by three independent researchers, in the databases PubMed, Medline and Embase, according to the descriptors selected as a research strategy and filters selected in the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: In total, 21 studies were found with the afore mentioned descriptors and which were considered adequate according to the design and relevance according to the type of study and inclusion filters. There was a very strong correlation between the searches of the three researchers (k = 0.809). At the end, 14 complete studies were presented, all of which were included. CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study was to note that there is an evident lack of research with a high level of real effectiveness and indication for interposition arthroplasty in the rigid elbow. Most studies point to positive results when the patient is young and a total arthroplasty is not indicated. No meta-analysis or randomized clinical trial was found for this specific topic, despite being a technique applied in clinical practice for some decades and showing good results. Level of Evidence V, Systematic Review.