Bart Van Tunen1, Esther M M Van Lieshout1, Konrad Mader2, Dennis Den Hartog3. 1. Trauma Research Unit, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 2. Division Hand, Forearm and Elbow Surgery, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. 3. Trauma Research Unit, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. d.denhartog@erasmusmc.nl.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Elbow dislocations are at risk for persistent instability and stiffness of the joint. Treatment with a hinged external fixation provides elbow joint stability, and allows early mobilization to prevent stiffness. Mounting a hinged elbow fixator correctly, however, is technically challenging. The low incidence rate of elbow dislocations with persistent instability suggests that centralization would result in higher surgeon exposure and consequently in less complications. This study aimed to investigate the results of treatment of elbow dislocations with a hinged elbow fixator on the rate of complications, range of motion, level of pain and restrictions in activities of daily living. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study in a level I trauma center, in which the majority of patients was treated by a dedicated elbow surgeon, was performed. All patients of 16 years or older treated with a hinged external elbow fixator between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 were included. The fixator could be used (1) for the treatment of persistent instability in acute/residual simple and complex dislocations or (2) as revision surgery to treat joint incongruency or a stiff elbow. Patient and injury characteristics, details on treatment, complications, secondary interventions, and range of motion were extracted from the patients' medical files. RESULTS: The results of treatment of 34 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 13 months. The fixator was removed after a median period of 48 days. Fixator-related complications encountered were six pintract infections, one redisclocation, one joint incongruency, one muscle hernia, and one hardware failure. The median range of motion at the end of follow-up was 140° flexion, 15° constraint in extension, 90° pronation, and 80° supination. CONCLUSION: A hinged elbow fixator applied by a dedicated elbow surgeon in cases of elbow instability after elbow dislocations can result in excellent joint function. Fixator-related complications are mostly mild and only temporary.
PURPOSE: Elbow dislocations are at risk for persistent instability and stiffness of the joint. Treatment with a hinged external fixation provides elbow joint stability, and allows early mobilization to prevent stiffness. Mounting a hinged elbow fixator correctly, however, is technically challenging. The low incidence rate of elbow dislocations with persistent instability suggests that centralization would result in higher surgeon exposure and consequently in less complications. This study aimed to investigate the results of treatment of elbow dislocations with a hinged elbow fixator on the rate of complications, range of motion, level of pain and restrictions in activities of daily living. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study in a level I trauma center, in which the majority of patients was treated by a dedicated elbow surgeon, was performed. All patients of 16 years or older treated with a hinged external elbow fixator between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 were included. The fixator could be used (1) for the treatment of persistent instability in acute/residual simple and complex dislocations or (2) as revision surgery to treat joint incongruency or a stiff elbow. Patient and injury characteristics, details on treatment, complications, secondary interventions, and range of motion were extracted from the patients' medical files. RESULTS: The results of treatment of 34 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 13 months. The fixator was removed after a median period of 48 days. Fixator-related complications encountered were six pintract infections, one redisclocation, one joint incongruency, one muscle hernia, and one hardware failure. The median range of motion at the end of follow-up was 140° flexion, 15° constraint in extension, 90° pronation, and 80° supination. CONCLUSION: A hinged elbow fixator applied by a dedicated elbow surgeon in cases of elbow instability after elbow dislocations can result in excellent joint function. Fixator-related complications are mostly mild and only temporary.
Authors: Gijs I T Iordens; Esther M M Van Lieshout; Niels W L Schep; Jeroen De Haan; Wim E Tuinebreijer; Denise Eygendaal; Ed Van Beeck; Peter Patka; Michael H J Verhofstad; Dennis Den Hartog Journal: Br J Sports Med Date: 2015-07-14 Impact factor: 13.800
Authors: Gijs I T Iordens; Dennis Den Hartog; Esther M M Van Lieshout; Wim E Tuinebreijer; Jeroen De Haan; Peter Patka; Michael H J Verhofstad; Niels W L Schep Journal: Clin Orthop Relat Res Date: 2014-10-29 Impact factor: 4.176
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