OBJECTIVETo study diagnosis and treatment methods of terrible triad of elbow.

METHODSFrom June 2001 to June 2009, 7 patients with terrible triad of elbow were reviewed. Among the patients, 6 patients were male and 1 patient was female, ranging in age from 20 to 68 years, averaged 36.5 years. All the fractures were fresh. All the patients were treated through a single lateral approach. The general approach was used to repair the damaged structures sequentially from deep to superficial, from coronoid to anterior capsule, to radial head, lateral ligament complex, and common extensor origin. The coronoid fractures and the radial head fractures were fixed with different methods according to fragments. The curative effiency were evaluated by Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 5 to 36 months, with a mean of 16.3 months. All the fractures were healed, and the healing time ranged from 3 to 6 months after operation (averaged 4.5 months). Four patients had heterotopic ossificatio. According to evaluation criteria, 2 patients got an excellent result, 4 fair and 1 bad. The average range of motion in elbow flexion-extension were 106.5 degrees (from -20 to 130 degrees), and the range of motion in forearm pronation-supination were 121 degrees (from 70 to 140 degrees). The patient with bad results were treated with radial head excised, and Kirschner fixation from posterior to anterior after reduction, which was found separate dislocation of the coronoid fracture on the X-ray after operation, and subluxation and instability of the elbow joint.

CONCLUSIONThe patients with terrible triad of elbow should be treated with operation actively. Follows are key to get an excellent result: treatment of bone and soft tissues at the same time, early rehabilitation after operation.

Adult ; Aged ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcome of surgical treatment of the posterior dislocation of the elbow with coroniod and radial head fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2004 to March 2009, 9 patients with terrible triad of the elbow were reviewed. There were 7 males and 2 females (4 left elbows and 5 right elbows), with an average age of 41.2 years, ranged from 21 to 67 years. The radial head fractures were classified according to the Schatzker-Tile criteria: 4 patients had the fractures of type I, 3 patients had type II and 2 patients had type III. The ulnar coronoid fractures were classified according to the Regan-Morrey criteria: 2 patients had the fractures of type I, 5 patients had type II and 2 patients had type III. The general approach was used to repair the damaged structures sequentially from deep to superficial, through coronoid, anterior capsule, radial head, and lateral ligament complex to common extensor origin. If there was valgus instability in the elbow after the operation, the medial collateral ligament should be repaired with nonabsorption sutures. The plaster was applied for 7 to 10 days with elbow flexion in 90 degrees and the forearm in full pronation. Unrestricted motions and rehabilitation began at the 8th week after operation. Recovery of regular occupation depended on the degree of physical activity required, and it typically took 3 months for heavy physical laborers to return to work.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 6 months to 5 years, with a mean duration of (31 +/- 6) months. At the 3rd month after operation, the mean rang of motion in flexion and extension of the elbow was (102 +/- 3) degrees (ranged from 80 degrees to 110 degrees), and the mean range of motion in pronation and supination of the forearm was (135 +/- 6) degrees (100 degrees to 150 degrees). According to the criteria of the Mayo scoreing system, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case. Three patients had heterotopic ossification at the 6th month after operation. Among them, 2 patients had no effects on elbow function and were not treated, 1 patient had effects on flexion-extension of the elbow and was treated with resection of heterotopic ossification through lateral approach combined with early rehabilitation, the MEP score of the patient improved from fair to good.

CONCLUSIONThe key points for treating the terrible triad of the elbow are to restore the elbow normal anatomy and early rehabilitation to avoid the elbow stiff.

Adult ; Aged ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; complications ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; complications ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; complications ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study therapeutic effects of anteromedial approach combined with lateral approach for the treatment of terrible triad of elbow.

METHODSFrom November 2009 to March 2013,17 patients with terrible triad of elbow were treated through anteromedial approach combined with lateral approach. There were 11 males and 6 females, with an average age of 36.6 years old, ranging from 22 to 68 years old. Ten patients had fractures in the left side and 7 patients had fractures in the right side. All of which were close fractures. Coronoid process fractures were reduced and treated with internal fixation through the anteromedial approach, and the incision was located between radiocarpus and cubitalis grailis. In order to expose the lateral collateral ligament joint capsule and capitulum radii, Kocher approach was used with the incision between triceps brachii muscle and brachioradialis muscle along condylus lateralis humeri, down to posterior side between anconeus muscle and extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. Then capitulum radii fractures were treated with internal fixation using miniature plates and screws, and lateral collateral ligament complexes were repaired using fasciole rivets. Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) was used to evaluate clinical effects at the latest follow-up.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 13 to 24 months,with a mean of 12.4 months. At the latest follow-up, the average flexion angle of all patients was (134.0 ± 8.8) degrees; the average extension angle was (6.4 ± 2.3) degrees. According to the Mayo criteria system, the average total score was 91.8 ± 7.9, including pain score 42.4 ± 5.9, range of motion score 17.6 ± 2.6, joint stability score 9.7 ± 1.2, and functional score 22.1 ± 2.5; 13 patients got an excellent result and 4 good. Two patients had transient ulnar nerve palsy, and 1 patient had heterotopic ossification. There were no complications such as infection, nonunion, elbow residual instability, dislocation and elbow stiffness.

CONCLUSIONThe operation through anteromedial approach combined with lateral approach for the treatment of terrible triad of elbow has advantages of providing both bone and soft-tissue stability simultaneously, allowing early exercise and improving early functional recovery.

Adult ; Aged ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery

Adolescent ; Adult ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; physiopathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo discuss the method and the effect of external fixator and limited internal fixation with joint applied for complex fracture-dislocation of elbow.

METHODSFrom Mar. 2005 to Mar. 2008, 17 patients with complex fracture-dislocation of elbow were treated with external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation. Nine of them were on the left side and 8 on the right side. There were 11 males and 6 females. The age was from 21 to 57 years with an average of 37 years. The clinical effects were evaluated according to Mayo scoring of elbow joint function (including pain, rang of motion, joint stability and so on).

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 5 to 10 months with an average of 8 months. The mean mayo score was 82 +/- 10 (62-96). The results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 7, fair in 3.

CONCLUSIONThe technique of external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation for complex fracture-dislocation of elbow can restore anatomical articular surface with advantage of early functional training which can decrease the occurrence of elbow stiff and soft tissue contracture. It is a satisfactory method in treating complex fracture-dislocation of elbow.

Adult ; Elbow ; injuries ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; External Fixators ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the role of lateral collateral ligament complex on the posterolateral rotatory instability and the relationship between the radiocapitellar ratio (RCR) and the injury of lateral collateral ligament complex on X-ray images.

METHODSTwenty elbow joints from fresh-frozen adult cadavers were used to make osteo-ligamentous elbow specimens. The specimens were fixed with a self-made device to maintain posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow joint. All the specimens were divided into two groups: group A and group B. Surgical procedures were carried out as follows in the lateral structures of group A: A1, intact specimen; A2, transection of radial ulnar collateral ligament firstly; A3, transection of annular ligament secondly; A4, final transection of the radial collateral ligament. The procedures in group B were carried out as follows: B1, intact specimen; B2, transection of the radial collateral ligament firstly; B3, transection of the annular ligament secondly; B4, final transection of the radial ulnar collateral ligament. Lateral X-ray films of elbow joint were taken, and the radiocapitellar ratio (RCR) was measured by using PACS. All analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 software.

RESULTSGroup A: the increases in RCR had statistical differences among A1, A2, A3, and A4 groups. Group B: the increases in RCR had no statistical differences among B1, B2 and B3 groups; but the increase in RCR in group B4 was more than that in B1, B2 and B3 groups.

CONCLUSIONThe radial ulnar collateral ligament is a key structure to maintain posterolateral rotatory stability;the radial collateral ligament and the annular ligament are the secondary important structures. There are 4 grades of the posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow, according to the X-ray imaging classification.

Collateral Ligaments ; injuries ; Elbow Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Radiography

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.
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

OBJECTIVETo study therapeutic effects of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy for preventing postsurgery stiffness after operation for terrible triad of the elbow.

METHODSFrom December 2008 to December 2013,32 patients with elbow triad were randomly divided into two groups: therapy group and control group. There were 17 patients in control group including 12 males and 5 females with a mean age of (41.0 ± 7.1) years old. The patients in control group were received the past procedure therapy. There were 15 patients in therapy group, including 10 males and 5 females with a mean age of (41.3 ± 7.6) years old. The patients in therapy group were received comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy, including passive exercise training at early stage (0 to 2 weeks after operation), transition from passive to active exercise training at middle stage (3 to 4 weeks after operation), and active exercise training at late stage (5 to 12 weeks after operation). Other treatment methods, such as orally taking or externally use of Chinese herbal medicine, manipulation and physiotherapy, were used at all stages. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score, patient satisfaction and complications were evaluated and analyzed.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the mean duration was 7.5 months. There were no complications such as internal fixation loosing, obvious displacement fracture and heterotopic ossification occurred. The Mayo score and patient satisfaction in therapy group were higher than those in control group (t = 12.78, P = 0.00; χ2 = 8.719, P = 0.003). Seven patients needed reoperation in control group, compared with 1 patient in therapy group (χ2 = 4.626, P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy is effective to prevent postoperative stiffness after operation for terrible triad of the elbow by using different methods at different stages, which is worthy of spread and application.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Movement ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo research the efficacy,security and necessity of combined therapy for preventing postsurgery stiffness after elbow fracture.

METHODSFrom May 2009 to April 2010, 60 patients with elbow fractures treated by operation were randomly divided into two groups: combined therapy group and past procedure group. Thirty patients in the combined therapy group,including 12 males and 18 females, ranging in age from 23 to 63 years, averaged (43.53 +/- 7.74) years old; 15 patients had two parts fractures, including humeral intercondylar fractures combined with olecroanon and (or) ulna coronoid process fractures in 8 cases, fractures of exterior and interior humeral condyle combined with capitulum radius in 3 cases, fractures of olecroanon and ulna coronoid process in 3 cases, fractures of olecroanon and capitulum radius in 1 case; other 15 patients had one part fractures, including fractures of exterior or interior humeral condyle in 8 cases,fractures of olecroanon or ulna coronoid process in 6 cases, fractures of capitulum radius in 1 patient. Thirty patients in the past procedure group,including 11 males and 19 females, ranging in age from 24 to 67 years, averaged (46.13 +/- 6.22) years; 15 patients had two parts fractures, including fractures of humeral intercondylar fracture combined with olecroanon and(or) ulna coronoid process in 7 cases, fractures of exterior and interior humeral condyle combined with capitulum radius in 2 cases,fractures of olecroanon and ulna coronoid process in 5 cases,fractures of humeral intercondylar fracture combined with capitulum radius in 1 patient; 15 pa- tients had one part fracture, including fractures of exterior or interior humeral condyle in 6 cases, fractures of olecroanon or ulna coronoid process in 8 cases, fractures of capitulum radius in 1 patient; the patients in the past procedure group were treated with past procedure methods. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (including gmotion of elbow joint) and security (using X-ray to recheck displacement fracture, internal fixation failure and heterotopic ossification) were evaluated at postoperative 6 months. From 2002 to 2006, 30 patients were reviewed as historical control group, including 17 males and 13 females, ranging in age from 27 to 62 years, averaged (47.17 +/- 7.83) years; 15 patients had two parts fractures, including fractures of humeral intercondylar combined with olecroanon and(or) ulna coronoid process in 7 cases, fractures of exterior and interior humeral condyle combined with capitulum radius in 1 case, fractures of olecroanon and ulna coronoid process in 6 cases, fractures of ulna coronoid process and capitulum radius in 1 case; 15 patients had one part fractures,including fractures of exterior or interior humeral condyle in 9 cases, fractures of olecroanon or ulna coronoid process in 5 cases,fractures of capitulum radius in 1 case. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score of the patients in historical control group was evaluated retrospectively at postoperative 6 months and the results were compared with that of past procedure group.

RESULTSMayo score of combined therapy group was (91.00 +/- 7.81)surpassed to (76.83 +/- 10.71) of the past procedure group and (73.17 +/- 1.99) of historical control group (F = 24.98, P < 0.05). The range of motion of elbow was (102.40 +/- 9.16) degrees of combined therapy group surpassed to (83.57 +/- 6.21) degrees of the past procedure group (t = 9.325, P < 0.05). There were no internal fixation loose,obvious fracture displacement and heterotopic ossification in each X-ray examination of patients in the combined therapy group. The Mayo score of historical control group was (73.17 +/- 11.99), showing no significant differences when compared with (76.83 +/- 10.71) of the past procedure group (LSD, P = 0.172).

CONCLUSIONCombined therapy including different stage, different method combination and different subject to practice to prevent postsurgery stiffness after elbow fracture is effect, security and necessity.

Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Joint Diseases ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the outcomes of debridement arthroplasty for stiff elbows, as well as the factors affecting clinical outcomes after surgical treatment. METHODS: Eighteen patients with post-traumatic stiff elbows were treated with debridement arthroplasty using a posterior approach. The mean patient age was 33 years (range, 16 to 59 years), and the average follow-up period was 59 months (range, 24 to 141 months). The patient's ability to perform activities of daily living, including combing their hair, feeding themselves, performing hygiene, and putting on shirt and shoes, were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, 16 elbows had painless motion. Two patients continued to complain of mild intermittent pain. The flexion and extension improved to 121degrees and 10degrees after surgery, respectively, indicating an average 34degrees increase in elbow flexion range and an average 25degrees increase in elbow extension range (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score at the last follow-up was excellent in nine elbows (50%) and good in nine elbows (50%). CONCLUSIONS: Debridement arthroplasty is a predictable procedure for the treatment of intractable stiff elbow, provided that the elbow is stable and congruous.
Activities of Daily Living ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Arthroplasty/*methods ; Debridement/methods ; Elbow Joint/*injuries/physiopathology/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Recovery of Function ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult