[Complex osteoligamentary injuries of the elbow. Treatment with a hinged external fixator]
W Kolb1, H Guhlmann, C Windisch
1DrWerner.Kolb@t-online.de
Background:
Hinged external fixation is a recognized method to treat instabilities after complex dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the elbow. The hinged external fixator allows stabilization of the elbow while preserving flexion and extension.
Methods:
Eighteen patients with an average age of 47 years (range 35-67) were treated with a hinged external fixator between April 2001 and March 2006 for 6 weeks. In 11 patients an internal fixation had to be done; six were treated initially with an AO fixator. After 8 days (3-14), we changed to a hinged external fixator.
Results:
At 39 months (12-71) of follow-up, all 18 elbows were stable. One stress-fracture of the ulna after pin removal occurred. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) was 78 points. Five (28%) patients had an excellent result, six (33%) a good result and seven (39%) a fair result. The average DASH score (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) was 18 points, which indicates a discrete impairment.
Conclusion:
The treatment outcome of complex instabilities treated with a hinged external fixator using our technique is comparable to outcomes from other studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna