Unilateral Technique for Interposition Arthroplasty of the Elbow-A Technical Note.

Stiffness and pain secondary to end-stage dysfunctional osteoarthritis of the elbow can pose a therapeutic dilemma. Although total elbow arthroplasty is successful in older patients with low functional demand, alternatives to joint replacement must be found in the younger, more active individual. Interposition arthroplasty provides a salvage option for young, high-demand patients who hope to minimize functional restrictions of the affected extremity. The procedure traditionally involves release of both collateral ligaments and the joint capsule, resulting in a higher risk for postoperative instability and complications. The present unilateral technique demonstrates an approach maintaining the integrity of the medial or lateral collateral ligament while still allowing secure graft fixation. Stability can usually be preserved without ligament reconstruction or hinged external fixation if the elbow was stable before surgery.

Anteromedial coronoid facet fractures and associated ligament lesions: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Varus posteromedial rotational injury mechanisms lead to fractures of the coronoids process' anteromedial facet. As these fractures are often unstable, rapid fracture treatment is vital to prevent progressive osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with a fracture of the anteromedial facet treated surgically were enrolled in the study. Computed tomography images were used to classify the fractures according to the system by O'Driscoll et al. Clinical follow-up included each patient's medical record, surgical treatment algorithm, all complications encountered during the follow-up period, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score, subjective elbow value, and pain. RESULTS: A total of 8 men (66.7%) and 4 women (33.3%) were treated surgically and followed-up after a mean period of 45 ± 23 months. The mean DASH score was 11.9 ± 12.9 points. One patient complained of transient neuropathy in the innervation area of the ulnar nerve, however, this existed already pre-operatively and resolved after less than three months. CONCLUSIONS: The presented patient cohort shows that AMF fracture of the coronoid process are unstable lesions according to the bony instability and the frequently ruptured collateral ligament complexes which need to be addressed. The MCL seems to be affected more frequently than previously appreciated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study.

Is there still a place for anatomic hemiarthroplasty in patients with high functional demands in primary, nonreconstructable proximal humeral fractures? A clinical and radiographic assessment.

BACKGROUND: Vitality-threatening proximal humerus fractures often provide an indication for prosthetic treatment. We investigated the issue of how anatomic hemiprostheses perform in younger, functionally challenging patients with the use of a specific fracture stem and systematic tuberosity management in medium-term follow-up. METHODS: Thirteen skeletally mature patients with a mean age of 64 ± 9 years and a minimum follow-up of 1 year after primary open-stem hemiarthroplasty for 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures were included. All patients were followed up regarding their clinical course. Radiologic follow-up included fracture classification, healing of tuberosities, proximal migration of the humeral head, evidence of stem loosening, and glenoid erosion. Functional follow-up included range of motion, pain, objective and subjective performance scores, complications, and return to sports rates. We statistically compared treatment success based on the Constant score between the cohort with proximal migration and the cohort with regular acromiohumeral distance by means of the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: After an average follow-up period of 4.8 years, satisfactory results were obtained. The absolute Constant-Murley score was 73.2 ± 12.4 points. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 13.2 ± 13.0 points. Patients reported their mean subjective shoulder value as 86.6% ± 8.5%. Pain was reported as 1.1 ± 1.3 points on a visual analog scale. Flexion, abduction, and external rotation values were 138 ± 31°, 134 ± 34°, and 32 ± 17°, respectively. 84.6% of the referred tuberosities healed successfully. Proximal migration was observed in 38.5% of cases and was associated with worse Constant score results (P = .065). No patient showed signs of loosening. Mild glenoid erosion was apparent in 4 patients (30.8%). All patients who were interviewed and participated in sports before surgery were able to return to their primary sport after surgery and continued to do so during the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: With narrow indications, use of a specific fracture stem and adequate tuberosity management, successful radiographic and functional results are presented after a mean follow-up of 4.8 years after hemiarthroplasty for primary nonreconstructable humeral head fractures. Accordingly, open-stem hemiarthroplasty appears to remain a possible alternative to reverse shoulder arthroplasty in younger, functionally challenging patients with primary 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures.

Surgical arthrolysis of the stiff elbow: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Stiffness after elbow injuries can severely limit daily life. If adequate conservative treatment does not result in satisfactory improvement of elbow function, surgical intervention should be considered. Whether an open or arthroscopic procedure is preferable is still a topic of debate and a systematic review of functional outcomes is lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically reviewed the available literature searching electronic databases, MEDLINE using the PubMed interface and EMBASE, for studies published between 2013 and 2021. Primary objective was to compare open and arthroscopic arthrolysis' functional outcomes, respectively, especially ROM and MEPS, as well as the accompanied complications. The PRISMA guidelines were applied. RESULTS: 27 studies comprising 1666 patients were included. 1059 patients (63.6%) were treated with open arthrolysis, and 607 patients (36.4%) were treated with arthroscopic arthrolysis. The results presented indicate satisfactory outcomes in open and arthroscopic arthrolysis with regard to functional outcome parameters. Treatment success, defined as excellent or good results according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, among the patients treated with an open procedure was 88.8%; 6.3% required revision whereas 18.1% had complications without the need for revision surgery. Within the cohort of arthroscopically treated patients, treatment success was 91.8%. Revisions and complications without further surgical intervention were significantly less frequent than in the open cohort, at 1.6% and 9.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both open and arthroscopic arthrolysis provide good to excellent functional outcomes. Since the number of complications and revision increases with the invasiveness of the treatment, an arthroscopic procedure might be favored if feasible by indication. The role of forearm rotation and the use of a hinged external fixator remains of interest. STUDY DESIGN: Level IV; Systematic review.

The effect of long calcar screws on the primary stability of 3-part, varus impacted proximal humeral fractures compared to short calcar screws: a real fracture simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Complex proximal humeral fracture ranks among the most common fracture types, especially in elderly patients. In locked plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures, the calcar is deciding for screws providing further medial column support. To date, the biomechanical effect of the length of these calcar screws is not well known. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of long calcar screws on fresh frozen prefractured cadaveric specimens. METHODS: In the present biomechanical study, 8 pairs of cadaveric proximal humeri were fractured identically using a custom-made fracture simulator. ORIF was performed using a locking plate (PHILOS; Fa. Synthes). The specimens were tested in a biomechanical setup under increased axial load without any calcar screws installed, with short calcar screws and long calcar screws installed. Strain gages (4-wire-120 Ohm, Fa. Vishay) mounted on the locking plate were used to evaluate the fixation strain and to give an estimate for primary stability.. RESULTS: The measured strain of the locking plate without calcar screws (804,64 µm/m) at maximum load (200 N) was significantly higher than with short (619,07 µm/m; p = 0.02) or long calcar screws (527,31 µm/m; p = 0.007). Additionally, strain with short calcar screws was noticeably higher in comparison to long calcar screws (619,07 µm/m vs. 527,31 µm/m; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Use of calcar screws improves the stability of realistically impacted 3-part varus humeral fractures. Long calcar screws that are positioned as close as possible to the joint provide further primary stability compared to short calcar screws. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science study.

Trans-fracture approach for ORIF of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus.

INTRODUCTION: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of comminuted coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus is challenging. When a concomitant lateral condyle fracture is present, it may be used for a trans-fracture approach to facilitate exposure and fracture reduction. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of lateral condyle fractures in coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus and analyze fracture reduction, fracture union and clinical results following ORIF through a trans-fracture approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All adult patients who underwent treatment for an acute distal humerus fracture during a three-year period in our level-one trauma center were identified. All fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA/AO) fracture classification system and all B3 fractures were classified according to the Dubberley classification. B3 fractures with a concomitant radial condyle fracture were identified. The clinical and radiological results, (Mayo Elbow Performance Score = MEPS, Visual Analogue Scale = VAS, range of motion), complications and revision surgeries were analyzed. RESULTS: 53 patients (mean age 52 ± 19 years) were identified. 13 fractures (24.5%) were B3 fractures. Four of them (30.8%) had a concomitant radial condyle fracture. All of these patients underwent ORIF with headless cannulated compression screws and a (postero-)lateral locking plate through a trans-fracture approach. At a minimum follow-up of 24 months, the MEPS was 88 ± 12 points, the VAS was 2 ± 1 and the range of motion was 118° ± 12°. All fractures showed anatomic reduction. One patient developed partial avascular necrosis and underwent arthrolysis at 6 months. One patient underwent partial hardware removal and lateral collateral ligament bracing at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral condyle fractures are present in about one third of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus. This injury can be used for a trans-fracture approach to facilitate exposure and to reliably achieve anatomic fracture reduction.

Locking suture repair versus ligament augmentation-a biomechanical study regarding the treatment of acute lateral collateral ligament injuries of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tears are frequently observed in fractures and dislocations of the elbow. Recent biomechanical evidence suggests that additional ligament augmentation may improve repair stability. The aim of this biomechanical in-vitro study was to compare the resistance of a locking suture repair of the LCL with a ligament augmentation technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight fresh frozen cadaveric elbows were evaluated for stability against varus/posterolateral rotatory forces (3 Nm). A strain gauge (µm/m; negative values) was placed at the origin and insertion of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) and cyclic loading was performed for 1000 cycles. We analyzed three distinct scenarios: (A) native LCL, (B) locking transosseou suture repair of the LCL, (C) simple LCL repair with additional ligament augmentation of the LUCL. RESULTS: The mean measured strain was - 416.1 µm/m (A), - 618 µm/m (B) and - 288.5 µm/m (C) with the elbow flexion at 90°; the strain was significantly higher in scenario B compared to C (p = .01). During the cyclic load (1000) the mean measured strain was - 523.1 µm/m (B) and - 226.3 µm/m (C) with the elbow flexion at 60°; the strain was significantly higher in scenario B compared to C (p = .01). No significant difference between the first and the last cycles was observed (p = .09; p = .07). One failure of the LCL repair was observed after 1000 cycles; none of the ligament augmentations failed. CONCLUSION: Ligament augmentation (C) provides higher resistance compared to the native LCL (A) and to the locking suture repair technique (B). Both techniques, however, hold up during 1000 cycles. While ligament augmentation might enhance the primary stability of the repair, future clinical studies have to show whether this increase in resistance leads to negative effects like higher rates of posttraumatic elbow stiffness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science study, biomechanics.

The simulation of terrible triad injuries in fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens with intact soft tissue envelope.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to develop a technical process to reproducibly generate terrible triad injuries (TTI) in fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens, while leaving the skin intact. Such "pre-fractured" specimens, used for scientific analysis and for surgical education, might help to improve current treatment, which is complex and prone to complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To induce the desired fractures, a custom-made fracturing unit was used to apply an axial force on the extended cadaveric elbow specimens, with the forearm pronated and under valgus load. To simulate the valgus load, a pneumatic cylinder was developed to apply valgus stress to the joint by an additional force vector from the lateral side of the joint. RESULTS: The success rate of TTI induction was 92.3% (12/13). Of the 12 radial head fractures, 3 (25%) were classified Mason type II and 9 (75%) Mason type III. The coronoid fractures were grouped in tip subtype 2 (5 fractures, 41.7%), anteromedial facet (AMF) subtype 2 (4 fractures, 33.3%), AMF subtype 3 (1 fracture, 8.3%) and basal subtype 1 (2 fractures, 16.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides an instrument for successful and reproducible production of dislocation fracture patterns with their typical accompanying soft tissue lesions. The methodology might be applied on a broad basis to be able to perform biomechanical studies regarding primary stability of fixation concepts for TTI and to educate surgeons in a fairly realistic scenario with the surgical treatment of TTI.

Interposition arthroplasty for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Interposition arthroplasty for the post-traumatic osteoarthritic elbow is a salvage procedure used in young and active patients and remains a rare and unexplored therapeutic option. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the available literature searching electronic databases, MEDLINE using the PubMed interface and EMBASE. The primary objective was to synthesize functional outcomes and to investigate revision frequencies, but also complication and subsequent surgery rates among patients with surviving grafts. The preferred reporting guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were applied. RESULTS: Five studies were left for inclusion, all retrospective in design, comprising 67 patients. The mean age was 40 years, the mean follow-up period was 61 months, and 68.2% of the patients treated were male. Eleven patients (16.4%) were treated with fascia lata autografts, and 56 patients (83.6%) were treated with Achilles tendon allografts. The graft survived in 53 patients (79.1%); the post-operative Mayo Elbow Performance Score averaged 69 points. Fourteen patients (20.9%) required revision surgery. In the setting of graft survival, 39.1% of patients had complications not requiring further surgical treatment and 5.7% of patients with surviving grafts needed subsequent operative treatment within the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Given graft survival, this systematic review demonstrated satisfactory functional outcomes following interposition arthroplasty of the post-traumatic osteoarthritic elbow, however, associated with a cumulative complication and subsequent operative treatment rate of 44.8%. In addition, a revision rate of 20.9% needs to be expected. Varus-valgus instability in the pre-operative clinical assessment seems to be associated with unsatisfactory post-operative elbow function. The superiority of either of the two main reported graft methods (fascia lata autograft and Achilles tendon allograft) remains pending, and the role of an external fixator in preventing post-operative instability remains unresolved.

The role of the brachialis muscle in elbow stability with collateral ligament injury: A biomechanical investigation.

BACKGROUND: The brachialis muscle lies in close anatomic relation to the anterior capsule of the elbow joint. The contribution of the brachialis muscle to elbow stability has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, the aim of this biomechanical in-vitro study was to analyze its influence on joint stability. METHODS: Nine fresh frozen cadaveric elbows were evaluated for stability against valgus and varus/posterolateral rotatory forces. Brachialis loading was measured indirectly using strain gauges. Three distinct scenarios were analyzed: A) with intact lateral ulnar and ulnar collateral ligaments B) with a ruptured lateral ulnar collateral ligament C) with ruptured lateral ulnar and ulnar collateral ligaments. FINDINGS: In all scenarios, an increased strain was observed under posterolateral rotatory/varus forces. The maximum measured strain occurred with elbow flexion of 30° and pronation of the forearm. The strain was significantly higher with dual-ligament rupture (mean - 210.5 µm/m; min. 97.8 µm/m; max. -310 µm/m; SD 107.8 µm/m; p = .034) compared to intact ligaments (mean - 106.9 µm/m; min. -32.51 µm/m, max. -287 µm/m; SD 100.2 µm/m) and single-ligament rupture (mean - 109.5 µm/m; min. - 96.7 µm/m; max - 130.4 µm/m; SD 18.2). INTERPRETATION: A strain of the brachialis muscle was observed under varus/posterolateral rotatory forces with a pronated forearm and the strain increased significantly in the event of a dual-ligament rupture. This suggests that the brachialis muscle may influence varus/posterolateral rotatory stability of the elbow. Hence, a concomitant tear of the brachialis muscle might result in pronounced instability following simple elbow dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study, Biomechanics.

The treatment of anteromedial coronoid facet fractures: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the anteromedial facet (AMF) of the coronoid process are caused by a varus posteromedial rotational injury force, leading to instability in the ulnohumeral joint. AMF fractures are usually accompanied by avulsion of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). O'Driscoll's description and classification of AMF coronoid fractures has increased awareness and interest in this injury, but the optimal treatment has yet to be decided. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the available literature searching electronic databases, MEDLINE using the PubMed interface and Embase. The primary objective was to determine outcome scores but also complication and revision rates depending on the fracture and its therapy in order to gain a more comprehensive picture. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were applied. RESULTS: Initially, 304 publications were identified. Finally, 10 studies were left for inclusion, all of them retrospective in design, comprising 128 patients; the majority of them were male (75.7%). A total of 114 patients (89.1%) were treated surgically and 14 patients (10.9%) were treated conservatively. Among the surgically treated patients, 70.2% were treated with LUCL refixation. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score of the surgically treated patients was 91.5 points. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score of the conservatively treated patients was 91.4 points. A total of 10 patients (7.8%) required reoperation. CONCLUSION: Surgery of AMF fractures leads to a satisfactory functional outcome in the vast majority of patients independent of the subtype. An algorithm for LUCL fixation is still pending. Conservative treatment may be considered under strict preconditions, especially for nondisplaced subtype 1 and 2 fractures, as these fractures show satisfactory functional outcomes when treated nonoperatively.

The treatment of isolated Mason type II radial head fractures: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the radial head represent the most common bony injury of the elbow in adults. Radial head fractures are classified according to Mason or one of its classification modifications. Current literature does not indicate consensus on whether to treat isolated stable type II radial head fracture patterns with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or nonoperatively, especially, when there is no mechanical block to motion. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the available literature searching electronic databases, that is, MEDLINE using the PubMed interface and Embase, for studies published between 2011 and 2020. The primary objective was to contrast the outcome scores of these 2 different study groups and the pitfalls accompanied with the 2 different approaches. The PRISMA guidelines were applied. RESULTS: The literature search left 11 studies for inclusion, all but 1 retrospective in design, comprising 319 patients. A total of 218 patients (68.3%) were treated with ORIF and 101 patients (31.7%) were treated nonoperatively. Our findings indicate that ORIF does not provide better results when compared to nonoperatively treated patients concerning functional outcome parameters. Treatment success, defined as excellent or good results according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score or the Broberg and Morrey score, among the patients treated with ORIF was 90.9%; 7.1% were in need of subsequent surgery and 5.2% had radiologic osteoarthritic changes of the radial column. In addition, 95.1% of the nonoperative cohort were treated successfully, and osteoarthritis was present in 11.9%. Mean follow-up period of the ORIF and the nonoperative cohort was 73 and 39 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: ORIF and nonoperative treatment of isolated Mason type II radial head fractures provide comparably satisfactory functional outcomes, without significant differences. Consideration of age, activity level and potential risks is recommended before making any treatment decision. Subsequent surgery rates were higher for patients treated with ORIF than for those treated nonoperatively and should be discussed. However, development of osteoarthritis of the radial column appears to be more likely after nonoperative treatment. The study pool remains limited, and implications of this review should be handled with caution.