Unstable Simple Elbow Dislocation Treated with the Repair of Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex.
10.4055/cios.2015.7.2.241
- Author:
Youn Moo HEO
1
;
Jin Woong YI
;
Jung Bum LEE
;
Dae Hee LEE
;
Won Keun PARK
;
Sun Joong KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konyang University Hospital, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. hurym1973@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Clinical Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Elbow joint;
Lateral collateral ligament;
Dislocation;
Ligament repair
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Collateral Ligaments/*surgery;
Dislocations/complications/physiopathology/*surgery;
Elbow Joint/*injuries/physiopathology/*surgery;
Female;
Humans;
Joint Instability/complications/physiopathology/*surgery;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Orthopedic Procedures/methods;
Range of Motion, Articular;
Retrospective Studies;
Young Adult
- From:Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
2015;7(2):241-247
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Unstable simple elbow dislocation (USED) repair is challenged by the maintenance of joint reduction; hence, primary repair or reconstruction of disrupted ligaments is required to maintain the congruency and allow early motion of the elbow. We evaluated the effectiveness and the outcome of lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex repair with additional medial collateral ligament (MCL) repair in cases of USED. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 21 cases of diagnosed USED without fractures around the elbow that were treated with primary ligament repair. In all cases, anatomical repair of LCL complex with or without common extensor origin was performed using suture anchor and the bone tunnel method. Next, the instability and congruency of elbow for a full range of motion were evaluated under the image intensifier. MCL was repaired only if unstable or incongruent elbow was observed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and radiographic outcomes on last follow-up images. RESULTS: All cases achieved a stable elbow on radiographic and clinical results. LCL complex repair alone was sufficient to obtain the stable elbow in 17 of 21 cases. Four cases required additional MCL repair after restoration of the LCL complex. The overall mean MEPS was 91 (range, 70 to 100): excellent in 12 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 2 cases. All 17 cases with LCL complex repair only and 2 of 4 cases with additional MCL repair had excellent or good results by MEPS. CONCLUSIONS: USED requires surgical treatment to achieve a congruent and stable joint. If the repair of lateral stabilizer such as LCL complex acquires enough joint stability to maintain a full range of motion, it may not be necessary to repair the medial stabilizer in all cases of USED.
