Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025

A Novel Method for Assessing Proximal and Distal Forelimb Function in the Rat: the Irvine, Beatties and Bresnahan IBB Forelimb Scale
Published on: December 16, 2010
Functional outcomes of elbow injuries managed according to the Wrightington classification of elbow
Zaid Hamoodi1, Jagwant Singh1, Michael H Elvey1
1Wrightington Upper Limb Unit, Wigan, UK.
Background:
This study aims to review the functional outcomes of patients managed by the application of the Wrightington elbow fracture-dislocation classification system and its corresponding management algorithms.
Methods:
This is a retrospective consecutive case series of patients over the age of 16 with an elbow fracture-dislocation managed according to the Wrightington classification. The primary outcome was the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at the last follow-up. Range of movement (ROM) and complications were collected as a secondary outcome.
Results:
Sixty patients qualified for inclusion (32 female, 28 male) with a mean age of 48 years (19-84). Fifty-eight (97%) patients completed a minimum of three months follow-up. Mean follow-up was six months (3-18). The median MEPS at the final follow-up was 100 (interquartile range [IQR] 85-100) and median ROM of 123° (IQR 101-130) degrees. Four patients underwent secondary surgery and had improved outcomes with the average MEPS score improving from 65 to 94 following the second surgery.
Conclusions:
The results of this study show that good outcomes can be achieved for complex elbow fracture-dislocations through pattern recognition and management with an anatomically based reconstruction algorithm as described by the Wrightington classification system.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: 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...
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:

