Efficacy of adjustable external support versus hinged external fixator in the treatment of terrible triad of elbow

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.1006

Abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Complications such as instability, stiffness and malunion of elbow joint often occur in terrible triad of elbow after surgery and movement function of the joint is poor. In order to improve the therapeutic effect and the quality of life, it is necessary to perform functional training in the early stage of combined effective external fixation, accelerate the recovery of the elbow joint function and prevent the complications.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of hinged external fixator and external fixator in the treatment of terrible triad of elbow joint.

METHODS: Sixty-five patients with the “terrible triad of the elbow” admitted in the Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University from January 2013 to January 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The operation was performed combined with lateral and medial surgery approaches of the elbow joint for the open reduction and fixation of the capitulum radial and coronoid fracture, and repair of the collateral ligament. According to external fixation after surgery, patients were divided into two groups. Support group: 30 patients were treated with adjustable external support after surgery. Fixator group: 35 patients received hinged external fixator after surgery. The range of elbow flexion-extension, forearm pronation-supination range, healing time, and Mayo scores after 1-year follow up were detected.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Support group: the mean range of elbow flexion-extension was (123.3±6.4)°, mean forearm pronation-supination range was (133.9±6.4)°, and the mean healing time was (12.3±1.9) weeks. According to Mayo scores, there were excellent in 28 cases, and good in 2 cases. Two cases appeared with heterotopic ossification of the elbow, and one case had articular valgus deformity healing. (2) Fixator group: the mean range of elbow flexion-extension was (125.5±6.4)°, mean forearm pronation-supination range was (133.1±6.5)°, and the mean healing time was (12.0±1.9) weeks. According to Mayo scores, there were excellent in 34 cases, and good in 1 case. One case appeared with heterotopic ossification of the elbow, and one case had pin tract infection. (3) In the two groups, the flexion and extension activity of the elbow joint, the range of forearm rotation, healing time and Mayo score were insignificant differences (P > 0.05). (4) Therefore, adjustable external support and hinged external fixator have the same effect on elbow joint flexion and extension activity, range of forearm rotation, healing time and Mayo score, and adjustable external support can replace hinged external fixator under certain conditions.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节；骨植入物；脊柱；骨折；内固定；数字化骨科；组织工程

Key words: Elbow Joint, Fractures, Bone, External Fixators, Rehabilitation, Tissue Engineering

CLC Number:

R459.9

Hu Panyong, Yang Shaoan, Cai Baota, Cao Jun, Yang Xiao. Efficacy of adjustable external support versus hinged external fixator in the treatment of terrible triad of elbow [J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2018, 22(35): 5607-5613.

Figures/Tables 4

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