Ipsilateral total shoulder arthroplasty and total elbow replacement arthroplasty: a caveat.

Shoulder and elbow replacement arthroplasty both achieve a high degree of success in patients with inflammatory arthritis. When both arthroplastics are performed on the same side, a stress riser can occur in the humeral diaphysis between the tips of the 2 humeral components. When the shoulder arthroplasty is performed first, a short-stemmed humeral component is advised. If a long-stemmed humeral component at either joint is already in place, the cement column for the subsequent arthroplasty should extend to and include the cement column of the extant component.