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.
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.
Authors: Michael D McKee; David M W Pugh; Lisa M Wild; Emil H Schemitsch; Graham J W King Journal: J Bone Joint Surg Am Date: 2005-03 Impact factor: 5.284
Authors: Hans Clement; Wolfgang Pichler; Norbert Peter Tesch; Nima Heidari; Wolfgang Grechenig Journal: Surg Radiol Anat Date: 2009-10-06 Impact factor: 1.246
Authors: Niels W L Schep; Jeroen De Haan; Gijs I T Iordens; Wim E Tuinebreijer; Maarten W G A Bronkhorst; Mark R De Vries; J Carel Goslings; S John Ham; Steven Rhemrev; Gert R Roukema; Inger B Schipper; Jan Bernard Sintenie; Hub G W M Van der Meulen; Tom P H Van Thiel; Arie B Van Vugt; Egbert J M M Verleisdonk; Jos P A M Vroemen; Philippe Wittich; Peter Patka; Esther M M Van Lieshout; Dennis Den Hartog Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2011-06-09 Impact factor: 2.362