• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2013

Designs of total elbow arthroplasty have been evolving with clinical experiences. Newer implants are expected to resolve current limitations and improve long term outcomes. This review article focuses on the basic knowledge of unlinked and convertible total elbow arthroplasty. There have been a variety of designs of unlinked total elbow prostheses. Some implants are still used in the market, while others are no longer commercially available. Modified and newer designs include more congruent contact surface, stemmed implant, and radiocapitellar arthroplasty. Two convertible elbow prostheses have been developed, and one implant is currently available in Korea. Conversion from an unlinked to a linked mode is performed by adding a linking cap. Unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, which restores native elbow kinematics, has a biomechanical rationale of lowering polyethylene wear and loosening of implants. It can be indicated in younger and higher demand patients, who have adequate bone stock and soft tissues. Convertible total elbow arthroplasty broadens implant selection and simplifies revision surgery. These newer prostheses possibly improve the long term outcomes and resolve disadvantages of linked prostheses in total elbow arthroplasty.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to the kinetic variables effects from the use of arch support inserts on low-arched people. We selected 10 people for the research and separated them into 2 groups, 5 people for the normal arched group and 5 people for the low arched group. Each group wear shoes which have a 3 step convertible arch support (level 0, level 2, level 5) and we measured their foot pressure and 3D motion analysis data. As a result, we found that the mean pressure at the heel of the low arched group was decreased when using the arch supports. The arch support induced the correct grounding area for the foot and dispersion of foot pressure. 3D motion analysis found that as the height of the arch support was increased, the movement of the Y-axis(inversion-eversion) was increased to relieve the shock to the heel. The arch support insert limited the range of motion(ROM) of the Z-axis(abduction-adduction) of the low arched person's ankle joint and prevented ankle injury caused by the excessive eversion when walking. Low arched people are seen to be easily tired due to the ineffective shock absorption of the knees and abnormal walking motion. In order to improve the problems, a 3 step convertible arch support(level 5) insert would improve the low-arched people's walking ability. In other words, the low arched people should be expected to walk as well as normal arched people when they wear shoes with the arch support insert.