Treatment of ipsilateral fractures of the arm and forearm bones [floating elbow]

Between August 1994 and June 1997, the results of management of 16 patients with ipsilateral fractures of the humerus and forearm bones were prospectively studied. They were 13 males and 3 females with an average age of 24.5 years [ranged 14-40 years]. The right upper limb was involved in six, while the left upper limb was involved in ten patients. These injuries encompass a spectrum of bone and soft tissue injuries and thus the treatment was individualized in each patient. Various combinations of internal fixation and/or external fixation were carried out in addition to an appropriate management of neurovascular and soft-tissue injuries. The follow up period ranged from 6 to 30 months [average 16 months]. The results were assessed according to the clinical scoring system of steel and Graham 1992 in addition to neurovascular assessment and cosmesis; they were acceptable in 14 and poor in 2 patients