Johannes C Hopf1, Volker Berger1, Christian F Krieglstein1, Lars P Müller2, Thomas C Koslowsky3. 1. Chirurgische Klinik, St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus, Köln, Germany. 2. Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Germany. 3. Chirurgische Klinik, St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus, Köln, Germany. Electronic address: tkoslowsky@web.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide subjective and objective results of surgical treatment of unstable elbow dislocations with the hinged external fixation technique. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were available for re-examination after treatment. Parameters used to quantify the subjective functional results were the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and the stability of the elbow joint. In addition, we measured the medial and lateral joint space by varus and valgus stress ultrasound examinations of the elbow. RESULTS: The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 93.5 (±8.3 standard deviation), and the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire showed an average of 7.3 points (±8.9 standard deviation). We saw 18 patients with stable joints and 8 patients with slight instability. In the ultrasound stress test, we saw a significant difference of the affected joint under varus stress (7.8 ± 1.7 mm) compared with the healthy joint (5.8 ± 1.2 mm) laterally. Furthermore, medially the gap was significantly larger (4.8 ± 0.9 mm; treated elbow) than contralaterally under valgus stress (3.3 ± 0.7 mm) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and hinged external fixation of unstable elbow dislocations resulted in good and very good results. We could identify a slight difference in the stability of the affected elbow compared with the contralateral side in all patients without clinical relevance.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide subjective and objective results of surgical treatment of unstable elbow dislocations with the hinged external fixation technique. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were available for re-examination after treatment. Parameters used to quantify the subjective functional results were the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and the stability of the elbow joint. In addition, we measured the medial and lateral joint space by varus and valgus stress ultrasound examinations of the elbow. RESULTS: The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 93.5 (±8.3 standard deviation), and the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire showed an average of 7.3 points (±8.9 standard deviation). We saw 18 patients with stable joints and 8 patients with slight instability. In the ultrasound stress test, we saw a significant difference of the affected joint under varus stress (7.8 ± 1.7 mm) compared with the healthy joint (5.8 ± 1.2 mm) laterally. Furthermore, medially the gap was significantly larger (4.8 ± 0.9 mm; treated elbow) than contralaterally under valgus stress (3.3 ± 0.7 mm) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and hinged external fixation of unstable elbow dislocations resulted in good and very good results. We could identify a slight difference in the stability of the affected elbow compared with the contralateral side in all patients without clinical relevance.
Authors: Bart Van Tunen; Esther M M Van Lieshout; Konrad Mader; Dennis Den Hartog Journal: Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg Date: 2022-06-25 Impact factor: 3.693
Authors: Luigi Meccariello; Vincenzo Caiaffa; Konrad Mader; Ante Prkic; Denise Eygendaal; Michele Bisaccia; Giuseppe Pica; Sonia Utrilla-Hernando; Roberta Pica; Giuseppe Rollo Journal: Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr Date: 2022 May-Aug