Ipsilateral shoulder and elbow arthritis is not an uncommon problem seen in patients of upper extremity surgeons. If arthroplasty
is required in both joints, there is a significant risk of periprosthetic fracture resulting from the stress riser occurring
between the implants. We report the placement of custom interlocking shoulder and elbow prostheses in a patient with rheumatoid
arthritis. The elbow prosthesis with an uncemented humeral component was placed followed 18 months later by a custom-designed
shoulder prosthesis. An internal strut between the two prostheses was created. Seven years postoperatively, the patient was
asymptomatic with no radiographic signs of impending failure.
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patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution either has waived or does not require approval for the reporting of this
case and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.