# Neglected Bicondylar Fracture of the Distal Humerus Treated With Total Elbow Arthroplasty

## TL;DR

An elderly woman with a long-unhealed elbow fracture regained full motion and pain-free function after receiving a total elbow replacement.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the viability of total elbow arthroplasty for treating neglected, non-united elbow fractures in elderly patients.

## Key findings

- The patient achieved full range of motion and no pain after total elbow arthroplasty.
- TEA was effective in restoring quality of life in a patient with a non-united elbow fracture.
- This case suggests TEA is a viable option for elderly patients with complicated elbow fractures.

## Abstract

A 69-year-old woman suffered a distal humerus fracture including the medial and lateral condyles. She received conservative treatment with a posterior arm splint at a local healthcare center where she was evaluated by a non-specialist physician. Eight months later, she presented to our department complaining about severe instability. An upper limb specialist examined the patient at the time, and after thoroughly explaining the condition, he suggested a surgical approach with total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), which was then performed. At the one-year follow-up, the patient had a full range of motion without any complications or pain complaints. TEA in neglected fractures of the distal humerus is a poorly researched topic in the field of upper limb surgery with only scarce literature available. In this case report, we present the excellent outcomes of the procedure performed on an elderly patient after non-union regaining her quality of life and suggest that TEA can be a viable solution in elderly patients with complicated or non-united elbow fractures.