[Allograft reconstruction in revision elbow arthroplasty].

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge on composite allograft reconstructions in revision elbow arthroplasty. A major reason for the restricted use of freshly frozen allografts is the divergent legal requirements for allograft procurement in European countries.

RESULTS: The opportunities and limitations of this complex revision surgery of the elbow are outlined based on our own restricted experiences, as well as on current literature. Our experience is in accordance with that of other institutions. The results are heterogeneous and range from satisfying to poor. The main problems are the increased risk of infection and the lack of allograft incorporation. Therefore, salvage procedures such as resection arthroplasty still need to be considered. It is not possible to define universally applicable treatment guidelines due to the limited caseload, even when an acceptable functional outcome can be achieved in the majority of cases. Due to the lack of a "simple solution" or valid guidelines, treatment strategies should be individualized for each patient. Complications such as infection and failed allograft incorporation represent the key issues of this procedure and remain a major challenge in revision surgery.