Postoperative Functional Evaluation in Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment of the Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow / Avaliação funcional pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico da tríade terrível do cotovelo

Abstract Objective To evaluate the functional results of patients submitted to a surgical approach for the treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, analyzing the treatment methods used and associated epidemiological variables. Methods Patients who underwent surgical treatment for the terrible triad of the elbow from February 2018 to June 2020 at our service were evaluated. The identified sample consisted of 17 patients, but of these, only 13 completed all stages of the study and, therefore, were considered as the universe to be considered. Epidemiological information of interest was collected: age, sex, hand of dominance, affected side, characteristics and classification of injuries, trauma mechanism, time to surgery, type of procedure performed and range of motion. The Mason classification was used for radial head fractures and the Regan and Morrey classification for the coronoid process. In order to perform a functional analysis, the DASH and BRUCE questionnaires were applied. Results About 77% of the patients were male, 92% of the fracture mechanisms were due to high-energy trauma. Contrary to this, the predominance of the non-dominant side was observed as the most affected. Evaluating the results according to the time to start the treatment, the patients operated within 14 days had statistically better functional results. Conclusion Surgical treatment of TTIE generates acceptable functional results in most cases. The success of the treatment is related to the time interval between the trauma and the first surgery, in addition to the severity of the injuries.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados funcionais dos pacientes submetidos a abordagem cirúrgica para o tratamento da tríade terrível do cotovelo, analisando os métodos de tratamento utilizados e variáveis epidemiológicas associadas. Métodos Foram avaliados pacientes submetidos aotratamento cirúrgico de tríade terrível do cotovelo de fevereiro de 2018 a junho de 2020 em nosso serviço. A amostra identificada foi de 17 pacientes, mas destes apenas 13 concluíram todas as etapas das pesquisas e por isso foram considerados como o universo a ser levado em consideração. Coletou-se informações epidemiológicas de interesse: idade, sexo, dominância, lado acometido, características e classificações das lesões, mecanismo do trauma, tempo para cirurgia, tipo de procedimento realizado e o arco de movimento. Foi utilizada a classificação de Mason para a fratura de cabeça do rádio e a de Regan e Morrey, para o processo coronoide. A fim de realizar uma análise funcional, aplicou-se os questionários de DASH e BRUCE. Resultados Cerca de 77% dos pacientes foram do sexo masculino, 92% dos mecanismos de fratura foram por trauma de alta energia. Contrariamente a esta, observou-se a predominância do lado não dominante como o mais afetado. Avaliando os resultados de acordo com o tempo para início do tratamento, os pacientes operados em até 14 dias obtiveram resultados funcionais estatisticamente melhores. Conclusão O tratamento cirúrgico da TTC gera resultados funcionais aceitáveis na maioria dos casos. O sucesso do tratamento está relacionado ao intervalo de tempo entre o trauma e a primeira cirurgia, além de se relacionar com a gravidade das lesões.

Luxaciones complejas de codo con inestabilidad póstero-lateral: ¿cuáles son las mejores opciones de tratamiento? revisión bibliográfica sistematizada / Complex elbow dislocations with postero-lateral instability: what are the best treatment options? systematized bibliographic review / Luxações complexas do cotovelo com instabilidade póstero-lateral: quais são as melhores opções de tratamento? revisão bibliográfica sistematizada

Introducción: El 25% de las luxaciones de codo corresponden a luxaciones complejas, que se definen como aquellas luxaciones que se acompañan de lesiones óseas, siendo las mismas más inestables que la luxaciones puras o simples. Estas lesiones han planteado un importante desafío terapéutico, ya que históricamente se han obtenido pobres resultados funcionales. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar la bibliografía acerca del tratamiento de las luxaciones complejas de codo con inestabilidad posterolateral, y valorar los resultados de las múltiples opciones terapéuticas. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó la búsqueda sistematizada utilizando el buscador PubMed, obteniéndose un total de 1450 artículos, de los cuales 32 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos. Resultados: Los estudios analizados fueron de bajo nivel de evidencia, III o IV, correspondiendo en su mayoría a series de casos retrospectivos. Destaca la gran cantidad de variantes terapúticas existentes, con diferentes protocolos terapéuticos, que arrojan resultados funcionales similares. Conclusiones: Las luxaciones complejas del codo corresponden a lesiones complejas, capaces de causar secuelas funcionales importantes en los pacientes. El establecimiento de protocolos terapéuticos es clave para obtener mejores resultados funcionales.

Introduction: 25% of elbow dislocations correspond to complex dislocations, which are defined as those dislocations that are accompanied by bone injuries, being more unstable than pure or simple dislocations. These lesions have set an important therapeutic challenge, since historically poor functional results have been obtained. The objective of this study is to review the literature on the treatment of complex elbow dislocations with posterolateral instability, and to assess the results of the multiple therapeutic options. Materials and Methods: The systematized search was carried out using the Pubmed search engine, obtaining a total of 1450 articles, of which 32 met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The studies analyzed were of a low level of evidence, III or IV, corresponding mostly to retrospective case series. The large number of existing therapeutic variants stands out, with different therapeutic protocols, which yield similar functional results. Conclusions: Complex elbow dislocations correspond to complex injuries, capable of causing important functional sequelae in patients. The establishment of therapeutic protocols is key to obtaining better functional results.

Introdução: 25% das luxações do cotovelo correspondem a luxações complexas, que são definidas como aquelas luxações acompanhadas de lesões ósseas, sendo as mesmas mais instáveis ​​que as luxações puras ou simples. Essas lesões representam um importante desafio terapêutico, uma vez que resultados funcionais historicamente ruins têm sido obtidos. O objetivo deste trabalho é revisar a literatura sobre o tratamento das luxações complexas do cotovelo com instabilidade póstero-lateral e avaliar os resultados das múltiplas opções terapêuticas. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca sistematizada por meio do mecanismo de busca PubMed, obtendo-se um total de 1450 artigos, dos quais 32 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão estabelecidos. Resultados: Os estudos analisados ​​foram de baixo nível de evidência, III ou IV, correspondendo em sua maioria a séries de casos retrospectivas. Destaca-se o grande número de variantes terapêuticas existentes, com diferentes protocolos terapêuticos, que apresentam resultados funcionais semelhantes. Conclusões: As luxações complexas do cotovelo correspondem a lesões complexas, capazes de causar sequelas funcionais importantes nos pacientes. O estabelecimento de protocolos terapêuticos é fundamental para obter melhores resultados funcionais.

Bilateral Elbow Dislocation with Radial Head Fractures in a 33 Year Male – A Rare Case Report

The authors report a rare case of bilateral elbow dislocation with associated radial head fractures in a 33 year male who presented to our hospital following a road traffic accident. The elbow dislocations were reduced in the emergency room, the left radial head fracture was treated conservatively in an above elbow slab for four weeks and the right radial head and neck fracture was treated operatively with Herbert screw fixation for the radial head fracture andbuttress plating for the radial neck fracture. At six months follow-up, the patient was pain free and had functional range of flexion and extension of both elbows with pronation and supination of the right elbow up to 50°and 40° and that of the left elbow up to 60° and 45° respectively.

A case of elbow dislocation / Un caso de dislocación de codo

Abstract The elbow joint is a stable joint and a significant force is required to disrupt the joint. The elbow joint is the second most commonly dislocated joint. A 29 years old male sustained a fall on outstretched hand and presented with pain, swelling , deformity and inability to move his Right elbow. Closed Reduction was done followed by immobilisation for 3 weeks and thereafter range of movement exercises of the elbow joint. Neurovascular complications , associated fracture around the elbow joint and instability of the joint should be looked for. Associated fractures which are difficult to see on plain X Rays can go for Computerized tomography and unstable fractures where damage to the ligamentous complex is suspected should undergo an Magnetic Resonance imaging study of the involved joint.

New Injury Mechanism and Treatment Algorithm of Posterior Elbow Dislocation

Although the concept of a single elbow dislocation mechanism, in which all dislocations start from the lateral side of the elbow joint and progress to the medial side, has never been able to explain the various conflicting experimental and clinical observations thus far, new studies and proposals for a valid mechanism have not been reported. The new proposal for posteromedial and posterolateral dislocation of the elbow joint according to the authors' study and the new treatment algorithm based on this new study can explain the various clinical and experimental results that have been difficult to explain, and provide a reasonable approach to the treatment of elbow dislocations.

Ipsilateral proximal and distal radius fractures with unstable elbow joint: Which should we address first? / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Simultaneous ipsilateral fractures involving radial head and distal end of radius are uncommon. We present our thoughts on which fracture should be addressed first. A 68-year-old lady sustained an ipsilateral fracture of the right radial head and distal end of radius following a fall. Clinically her right elbow was posteriorly dislocated and right wrist was deformed. Plain radiographs showed an intraarticular fracture of the distal end of radius and a comminution radial head fracture with a proximally migrated radius. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no significant ligament injuries. We addressed her distal radius first with an anatomical locking plate followed by her radial head with a radial head replacement. Our rationale to treat the distal end radius: first was to obtain a correct alignment of Lister's tubercle and correct the distal radius height. Lister's tubercle was used to guide for the correct rotation of the radial head prosthesis. Correcting the distal end fracture radial height helped us with length selection of the radial head prosthesis and address the proximally migrated radial shaft and neck. Postoperative radiographs showed an acceptable reduction. The Cooney score was 75 at 3 months postoperatively, which was equivalent to a fair functional outcome.

Inestabilidad postraumática de codo: revisión bibliográfica / Post-traumatic instability of the elbow: review / Instabilidade pós-traumática do cotovelo: revisão bibliográfica

Introducción: Las luxaciones constituyen del 10 % al 25 % de todas las lesiones en el codo. Aproximadamente el 15% de los pacientes que la han sufrido quedan con algún síntoma compatible con inestabilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar en la literatura los diferentes tratamientos propuestos para esta complicación luego de una luxación simple de codo. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos: Medline (interfase Pub-Med) y Bireme para estudios de los últimos diez años. Se seleccionaron los artículos que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, extrayendo de ellos los datos relevantes y resultados. La búsqueda arrojó un total de 596 artículos de los cuales 10 cumplían con los criterios de inclusión propuestos al iniciar la búsqueda. Discusión: Se analizaron y compararon las tasas de inestabilidad luego de la luxación, los diferentes tipos de tratamiento y las complicaciones. Conclusión: Existe consenso en la literatura analizada de que debe realizarse un examen de estabilidad del codo en agudo para definir el tratamiento. En cuanto al tratamiento en los codos que se presentan inestables la literatura es variable y faltan estudios comparativos para realizar recomendaciones.

Introduction: Dislocations are 10% to 25% of all elbow injuries. Up to 15% of patients with symptoms of instability can be observed. The aim of this study is to review in the literature the different treatments proposed for this complication after a simple elbow dislocation. Materials and Methods: The search was conducted on: Medline (PubMed interface) and Bireme including the last ten years studies. Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected, and the relevant data and results were extracted. We found a total of 596 articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria proposed at the start of the search. Discussion: We analyzed and compared the rates of instability after dislocation, the different types of treatment and complications. Conclusion: There is consensus in the analyzed literature that an elbow stability test should be performed in acute conditions to define the treatment.Comparative studies are lacking for recommending a definite treatment for elbow instability.

Introdução: Dislocaçõessão de 10% a 25% de todas as lesões no cotovelo. Aproximadamente 15% dos pacientes ficam com algum síntoma compatívelcom instabilidade. O objetivo deste trabalho é rever na literatura os diferentes tratamentos propostos para esta complicação a pósuma simples deslocação do cotovelo. Materiais e métodos: Uma pesquisa foi feita em bancos de dados: Medline (interface Pub-Med) e Bireme para estudos dos últimos dez anos. Foram selecionados artigos que atendem a os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, extraindo os dados relevantes e os resultados deles. A busca gerou um total de 596 artigos, dos quais 10 atendem a os critérios de incluso propostos no início da pesquisa. Discussão: Analisamos e comparamos as taxas de instabilidade após deslocamento, os diferentes tipos de tratamento e complicações. Conclusão: Existe consenso na literatura analisada segundo a qualum teste de estabilidade do cotobelo deve ser realizado em agudos para definir o tratamento. Sobre o tratamento os cotovelo sin stáveis a literatura é diversa e faltam estudos comparativos para realizar recomendações.

An unusual Monteggia equivalent type 1 lesion: Diaphyseal ulna and radius fractures with a posterior elbow dislocation in a child / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

In this report, we describe an extremely unusual Monteggia equivalent type 1 lesion in a 10-year-old boy following a fall from a height of 1 m. On the plain radiographs, our patient had a particular Monteggia equivalent type 1 injury associating a posterior elbow dislocation with diaphyseal radius and ulna fractures. The patient was treated by closed reduction technique. At six months of follow-up, the fractures were consolidated and the elbow was stable. To our knowledge, only 8 adult cases and one paediatric observation with similar lesions had been reported through medical literature. Therefore, the aim of our case report is to remind this rare entity and also to provide a comprehensive review of the literature related to this uncommon lesion.

Posterior Elbow Dislocation with Brachial Artery Thrombosis Treated Non-surgically: A Case Report

The brachial artery is rarely injured in closed posterior dislocation of the elbow, unlike the high rate of vascular injury seen after dislocation of the knee. Despite the anatomical proximity of the brachial artery to the elbow joint, most cases of brachial artery injury after dislocation of the elbow are related to an associated fracture, an open injury or high-energy trauma. A high index of suspicion should be maintained as well as a thorough neurovascular examination with regards this potentially disastrous complication. We describe an unusual case of complete thrombosis of the brachial artery presenting with a posterior elbow dislocation following a fall (low energy trauma) that was treated nonoperatively. At three months follow-up, patient had good circulation over the affected limb, no complaints of ischemic pain or cold intolerance, no signs of Volkmann's ischemic contracture, and a range of motion that was comparable to the contralateral limb.

Morphology and treatment of elbow dislocation associated with elbow fracture in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate the morphological characteristics of elbow dislocation associated with elbow fracture in children,to propose its injury mechanism,and to present its treatment and outcomes.Methods From January 2010 to September 2016 in Department of Pediatric Orthopedics,the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College,the clinical data of elbow dislocation associated with elbow fracture were retrospectively analyzed in 12 children,in which there were 9 boys and 3 girls with a mean age of 7.6 (3.6-12.O) years,and the injury time was 6 h-32 days,with an average of 3.5 days.According to the direction of dislocation,posterior dislocation in 6 cases,posterolateral dislocation in 4 cases,and anterior dislocation in 2 cases.Twelve cases were caused by high energy injury,accompanied with violent rotary injury of forearm,including traffic accident injury in 5 cases,high fall injury in 4 cases,motor belt injury in 2 cases,and washing machine injury in 1 case.All these cases were treated with surgery,the dislocated elbow joint were reset,the fracture fragments were fixed with Kirschner wire or wire tension band,and the lateral collateral ligament were repaired.Results All cases were followed up for 6-23 months,with an average 13.5 months.The stability of elbow joint and the fracture healing were very good,and no elbow redislocation at the last follow-up.The function of elbow joint recovered satisfactorily,the extension-flexion motion ranged from 90°-145°,with an average of 125°,and the pronation-supination motion ranged from 85°-155°,with an average of 130°.According to the Mayo functional index,the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 4 cases,and the excellent and good ratio was 91.7％ (11/12 cases).Conclusions The elbow dislocation of children is caused by high energy injuries and the violent rotational injury of the forearm,easily combined with different types of elbow fractures and severe injury of collateral ligament.Surgical treatment should be actively performed to restore the normal anatomy,reconstruct the stability and restore the function of the elbow joint.

Diagnosis of anterior bundle injury of medial collateral ligament after elbow dislocation with 3 .0T MRI / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To apply 3 .0T MRI in diagnosing injuries of anterior bundle of medial collateral ligament after elbow dislo‐cation .Methods The MRI features of the injuries of medial collateral ligament anterior bundle were analyzed retrospectively in 20 patients with elbow dislocation .The coronal ,sagittal ,axial and lamina oblique coronal were scanned routinely with SE T1WI ,T2WI‐FS sequences .Results Varying degrees of anterior bundle injuries of medial collateral ligament were observed in all the 20 patients ,in‐cluding the mild injury(n=8) ,part avnlsion(n=5) ,completely rupture(n=7) .Furthermore ,concomitant injuries including lateral collateral ligament(n=11) ,ringlike ligament(n=5) ,flex/stretch muscle tendon(n=9) ,and the fracture(n=7) were also observed . Conclusion The injuries of medial collateral ligament anterior bundle after elbow dislocation could be diagnosed accurately with 3 .0T MRI and the degree of injuries could also be defined on image .The 3 .0T MRI could be recommended as regular examination to pa‐tients with elbow dislocation .

Progress on Diagnosis and Treatment of Ulna Coronoid Process Fractures / 中国微创外科杂志

[Summary] Ulna coronoid process fractures are not uncommon in clinical practice,but its treatment is difficult.Regan-Morrey type Ⅰ and Ⅱ fracture has no significant effect on the stability of the elbow joint,thus conservative treatment can be used.For some type Ⅱ fractures combined with elbow posterior dislocation,surgical treatment is required because of the potential danger of recurrent dislocation after reduction.Ulna coronoid process fractures often accompany other tissue injury,therefore manipulative reduction and external fixation with a cast or brace should be given as soon as possible.Once severe swelling complicated with bone fascia compartment syndrome,early decompression should be performed.The surgery can be carried out via medial approach,or in combination with lateral approach when lateral collateral ligament injury exists.Internal fixation materials include miniature titanium plate,micro screws,absorbable screws,hollow screw,anchor nail,external fixator and coronoid process of prosthetic replacement.

Results of Posterior Dislocation of Elbow Associated with Bony and Soft Tissue Injury

Elbow trauma is challenging to manage by virtue of its complex articular structure and capsuloligamentous and musculotendinous arrangements. We included 17 patients with elbow dislocation and associated injuries in this study. The study protocol included early elbow reduction and planned fixation of the medial or lateral condyle, coronoid and radial head. The sample was 73% male and 27% female with mean duration follow-up of 8 months, and mean age of 37 years. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 96 points at conclusion of follow-up, indicating an excellent result in 14 patients. Whenever the radial head was excised, we performed a strong transosseous ligamentous repair of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. Fixation of the coronoid is essential for elbow stability. A small avulsed fragment can be fixed using an ACL jig. We found this technique very useful. Early planned intervention, stable fixation, and repair provide sufficient stability and enhance functional outcomes.

Treatment of Medial Epicondyle Fracture without Associated Elbow Dislocation in Older Children and Adolescents

PURPOSE: Displaced medial humeral epicondyle fractures with or without elbow dislocation have been treated with open reduction and fixation using K-wires or screws. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatments of medial humeral epicondyle fracture without elbow dislocation according to the fixation methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients who had undergone open reduction and fixation of the displaced medial humeral epicondyle fracture without elbow dislocation were included. Group I consisted of 21 patients who underwent fixation with K-wires, and Group II comprised 10 patients who underwent fixation with cannulated screws. Immediate postoperative, final follow-up and normal anteroposterior radiographs were compared and the clinical outcome was assessed using the final Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) elbow assessment score. RESULTS: On the immediate postoperative radiographs, the distal humeral width in Group II was larger than that in Group I. On the final follow-up radiographs, the epicondylar position in Group I was lower than that in Group II. There was no significant difference in the distal humeral width, epicondylar position and joint space tilt between the immediate postoperative, final follow-up radiographs and the normal side within each group. There was no significant difference in the final JOA score between groups. CONCLUSION: Open reduction followed by K-wire fixation or screw fixation of the displaced medial humeral epicondyle fracture without elbow dislocation in older children and adolescents resulted in improved radiologic outcome and good elbow function in spite of diverse radiologic deformities.

Analysis of the Factors Influencing on the Postoperative Results of Radial Head Fractures Combined with Elbow Dislocation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Radial head fractures are the most common elbow fractures in adults, and are often accompanied with elbow dislocation resulting in various complications. This study examined the outcome of surgical treatment of a radial head fracture and its prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1997 to February 2004, a retrospective analysis was performed on 25 radial head fracture patients with an elbow dislocation, also including elbow fracture, whose follow-up data could be obtained for more than 12 months. The surgical results were evaluated according to the prognostic factors and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, which assessed the elbow joint function and pain. RESULTS: According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 5 cases, and poor in 4 cases. Cases with post-surgical elbow joint instability showed statistically meaningful poor outcomes. However, there were good in the groups without an accompanied fracture, with no open fracture, type II and III Mason classification, and fixation period 4 weeks or less. Correlation analysis revealed a younger age and shorter immobilization period to have better results, and the immobilization period showed the strongest correlations with the Mayo Elbow Performance index. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, younger age, less severe injury in the initial event and a shorter immobilization period are good prognostic factors in radial head fractures combined elbow dislocations.

Elbow Dislocation Combined with Coronoid Process and Radial Head Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome for terrible triad injury of the elbow joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed consecutive 10 cases retrospectively among 12 terrible triad injuries, which had been followed up for a minimum 1 year. The average age at the time of injury was 45 years (range, 32~72). All cases were dislocated posteriorly. The 3 cases had fracture of olecranon. Combined medial and lateral approach was performed in 3 cases, medial and lateral approach after extensile posterior approach in 4 cases, transolecranon approach using existed olecranon fracture in 2 cases, and transolecranon approach in 1 case were done. RESULTS: The average Mayo elbow performance score was 87, with 5 excellent, 4 good, and 1 poor results. Results by Riseborough and Radin's rating criteria include 9 good and 1 fair. The 8 cases were stable. But 2 cases were classified with moderate and severe instability; these cases had been performed by radial head allograft and excision respectively. CONCLUSION: A stable, functional elbow can be restored in terrible triad injury by early active rehabilitation after anatomic reduction and firm internal fixation.

Chronic Median Nerve Entrapment After Posterior Fracture-Dislocation of the Elbow in a Chlid: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Median nerve injury after elbow dislocation is uncommon. The diagnosis of median nerve entrapment is often delayed. Median nerve paralysis is caused by entrapment within the elbow joint. If median nerve paralysis occurs following elbow dislocation or if it occurs following closed reduction, entrapment should be suspected. Optimal management of this problem consists of early surgical exploration and decompression. We report a case of a child who had entrapment of the median nerve in the elbow joint after closed reduction of posterior dislocation with fracture of the medial epicondyle. The diagnosis was made ten weeks after injury at surgical exploration. This case showed a characteristic radiologic sign in the anteroposterior radiograph. We released the entrapped median nerve with a successful result.