Polymethyl Methacrylate for Elbow Arthroplasty: Is There Another Way?

Polymethyl methacrylate remains the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved method of total elbow arthroplasty fixation and exhibits high aseptic loosening rates that result in challenging revision surgeries and potential morbidity secondary to bone-cement implantation syndrome. In this policy paper, the authors aim to explore the historical background of polymethyl methacrylate and the complications that arise in association with its use. We will review arthroplasty trends in the elbow and lower extremities and the challenges with the US Food and Drug Administration-approval process.