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Hinged elbow fixation for recurrent instability following fracture dislocation.
1Department of Othopaedic Surgery, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1070, USA. druch@wfubmc.edu
Injury
|January 29, 2002
Summary
This study shows that articulated external fixators effectively manage elbow instability after fracture dislocations, restoring joint congruity and function in both acute and chronic cases. Patients regained good functional use of their elbows with mild daily living difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Elbow fracture dislocations often lead to chronic instability.
- Managing post-traumatic elbow instability is challenging, especially with severe comminution or soft tissue damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of articulated external fixators in managing elbow instability following fracture dislocations.
- To assess functional outcomes and joint congruity in patients treated with this device.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of eight patients treated with articulated external fixators for elbow instability post-fracture dislocation.
- Patients were categorized into acute (Group I) and chronic (Group II) instability groups.
- Follow-up included radiographic assessment, range of motion measurements, and DASH outcome scores.
Main Results:
- Both groups achieved congruent humero-ulnar joints on radiographs.
- Group I (acute) showed better average range of motion (120°) compared to Group II (chronic) (84°).
- Patients reported mild difficulties with activities of daily living.
Conclusions:
- Articulated external fixators provide concentric stability and reduce the humero-ulnar articulation in complex elbow instabilities.
- This method offers an alternative to extensive reconstruction in cases where direct repair is not feasible.
- The device facilitates good functional recovery of the elbow in both acute and chronic settings.