Clémentine Corbet1, Mehdi Boudissa2, Séverine Dao Lena3, Sébastien Ruatti2, Denis Corcella4, Jérôme Tonetti2. 1. Service Orthopédie et Traumatologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Boulevard de la Chantourne, 38700 La Tronche, France. Electronic address: ccorbet@chu-grenoble.fr. 2. Service Orthopédie et Traumatologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Boulevard de la Chantourne, 38700 La Tronche, France. 3. CH Briançon, 24, Avenue Adrien Daurelle, 05100 Briançon, France. 4. Service de Chirurgie de la Main et des Brûlés, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Boulevard de la Chantourne, 38700 La Tronche, France.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Terrible triad (TT) of the elbow is an association at high risk of instability. Treatment aims to restore joint stability. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) repair is systematic, whereas medial collateral ligament (MCL) repair is only exceptionally necessary. The main aim of the present study was to assess clinical results in TT surgery. The secondary objective was to compare clinical progression with versus without MCL repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 50 TTs operated on via an isolated lateral or combined medial-lateral approach. Clinical assessment comprised MEPS, QuickDASH, VAS, flexion-extension and pronation-supination, and return to work and sport. Subgroup analysis was made according to associated MCL repair. RESULTS: Fifty patients (19 female, 31 male) were operated on between January 2006 and January 2017. Mean follow-up was 24 months. At last follow-up, mean MEPS was 89.1, VAS 0.7, QuickDASH 16, flexion-extension 114°, and pronation-supination 137°. Only MEPS was significantly improved by MCL repair (p=0.02), with no significant difference in complications. DISCUSSION: TT surgery with immediate mobilization gave good long-term functional results, not significantly improved by MCL repair. The lateral approach should be adopted in first line, with the medial approach in second line in case of persistent instability after lateral osteo-ligamentous repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.
INTRODUCTION: Terrible triad (TT) of the elbow is an association at high risk of instability. Treatment aims to restore joint stability. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) repair is systematic, whereas medial collateral ligament (MCL) repair is only exceptionally necessary. The main aim of the present study was to assess clinical results in TT surgery. The secondary objective was to compare clinical progression with versus without MCL repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 50 TTs operated on via an isolated lateral or combined medial-lateral approach. Clinical assessment comprised MEPS, QuickDASH, VAS, flexion-extension and pronation-supination, and return to work and sport. Subgroup analysis was made according to associated MCL repair. RESULTS: Fifty patients (19 female, 31 male) were operated on between January 2006 and January 2017. Mean follow-up was 24 months. At last follow-up, mean MEPS was 89.1, VAS 0.7, QuickDASH 16, flexion-extension 114°, and pronation-supination 137°. Only MEPS was significantly improved by MCL repair (p=0.02), with no significant difference in complications. DISCUSSION: TT surgery with immediate mobilization gave good long-term functional results, not significantly improved by MCL repair. The lateral approach should be adopted in first line, with the medial approach in second line in case of persistent instability after lateral osteo-ligamentous repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.