Elbow hemiarthroplasty was first reported in 1947 by Mellen and Phalen who used a
primitive acrylic prosthesis in 4 patients. 1 In 1952, Venable described the use of a similar
prosthesis, noting short-term pain relief. 2 Two years later, MacAusland reported on
replacement of the lower end of the humerus using a nylon prosthesis in 4 cases. 3 In 1965,
Barr and Eaton described elbow reconstruction using a new prosthesis in 1 case that
subsequently fractured 4 years postoperatively. 4 The largest early series was that of Street …