BACKGROUND: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is increasingly used for the 
treatment of advanced elbow conditions to reduce pain and improve function. 
However, TEA is still associated with a higher complication rate than total hip 
and knee arthroplasty despite advances in the design and surgical techniques. 
This prospective clinical study reports the outcome of the Discovery Elbow 
System (Biomet, Warsaw IN, USA), which has been in clinical use in the United 
Kingdom since 2003.
METHODS: The study included a total of 100 Discovery Elbows (April 2003 to 
January 2010) with a minimum 2-year follow-up, including 75 primary and 25 
revisions (60% women and 40% men; mean age, 62 years). Outcome was assessed by 
means of the Liverpool Elbow Score, pain experience, patient satisfaction, range 
of motion, and radiographic imaging.
RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48.5 months (range, 24-108 months). The 
Liverpool Elbow Score improved from 3.79 to 6.36 (P < .001). The percentage of 
pain-free patients was substantially increased from 7% preoperatively to 64% at 
the final follow-up. The patient satisfaction rate was over 90%. The 
flexion-extension arc and pronation-supination arc increased from 72° to 93° and 
from 86° to 111°, respectively (P < .001). Major postoperative complications 
included deep infection (2%), progressive aseptic loosening requiring revision 
(primary, 5%; revision 12%), persistent ulnar neuropathy (3%), and 
periprosthetic fracture (primary, 6.8%; revision, 8%).
CONCLUSION: The Discovery Elbow System resulted in improved function, reduced 
pain, and high patient satisfaction. Long-term results are required to assess 
the survivorship of this system.