Total elbow arthroplasty: history, current concepts, and future.

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has proven to be a reliable joint replacement procedure that has a high degree of patient satisfaction. The long-term functional and implant survival scores rival those of total knee arthroplasty. Despite these favorable outcomes, few patients with disabling elbow degenerative conditions have TEA recommended to them as an alternative procedure by rheumatologists, physiatrists, or orthopedists. This article reviews the history, current concepts, and future of TEA.