Optimal Position for Elbow Arthrodesis

Description: Conclusion: The choice of position for elbow arthrodesis should be a patient's decision according to his or her specific needs. The optimal fusion position seems to be 110° for most activities and mainly upper extremity tasks whereas 45° to 60° is optimal for work-related activities. The patient should be informed about the choice between these two potential positions. A preoperative trial period with the elbow in a cast to ascertain the position of the greatest patient satisfaction is strongly recommended.
Optimal Position for Elbow Arthrodesis Chris Tang, MD; Nikolaos Roidis, MD; John Itamura, MD; Suke Vaishnau, MS; Chris Shean, MD; Milan Stevanovic, MD OTA Abstract 2001