Lifting limitations following elbow arthroplasty: A survey of British Elbow and Shoulder Society members

Abstract

The primary aim of this survey was to capture current practice with regard to lifting limitations following elbow arthroplasty. An online survey was emailed to all members of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society. All consultant respondents who reported performing elbow arthroplasty were asked about their advice for post-operative lifting limitations. In total, 115 surveys were completed: 55 consultants reported performing linked total elbow arthroplasty, 18 reported performing unlinked total elbow arthroplasty and 44 reported performing distal humeral hemiarthroplasty. The majority of elbow consultants advise a lifelong lifting limitation following linked and unlinked total elbow arthroplasty (78% and 61% respectively). There was variation in the weight specified for lifelong lifting limitations, the median weight restriction in linked total elbow arthroplasty was 5 lb, and in unlinked total elbow arthroplasty was 10 lb (range 1−20 lb). In total, 13% of consultants performing linked total elbow arthroplasty and 33% of consultants performing unlinked total elbow arthroplasty do not advise any lifelong lifting limitations post-operatively. In a perceived attempt to prolong implant longevity, most surgeons recommend lifelong lifting limitations following total elbow arthroplasty. There is variation in the weight restriction advised by consultant elbow surgeons. Currently the optimal weight restriction to maximise implant longevity is not known and further work needs to be done to understand the true relationship between activity, loading and implant failure.