Clinical outcomes of triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle and olecranon osteotomy approach for distal humerus intercondylar fractures.

BACKGROUND: The preferred treatment for distal humeral intercondylar fractures is open reduction and internal fixation. While there is consensus about the posterior approach, several posterior approaches have been developed. It is debatable as to which approach is best. AIM: To compare triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) and olecranon osteotomy approaches for internal fixation of distal humeral intercondylar fracture. METHODS: In total, 40 cases of Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association of the Study of Internal Fixation type C, closed, and Gustilo type I intercondylar humeral fractures were included. Patients ranged in age from 18 years to 70 years. The patients were randomized into two groups: TRAP group and olecranon osteotomy group, with 20 cases in each. All were followed up at 6 wk, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Functional outcomes were measured in terms of flexion-extension arc, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. RESULTS: The mean age was 43.2 years in the TRAP group and 37.5 years in the olecranon osteotomy group. The mean operative time and mean duration of hospital stay in the TRAP group were significantly higher than in the olecranon osteotomy group (119.5 vs 111.5 min and 9.85 vs 5.45 d, respectively). The mean arc of flexion-extension, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were comparable without any significant difference in the groups at the 12-month follow-up (107.0 vs 106.2, 18.3 vs 15.7, and 84.2 vs 86.2, respectively). Ulnar paresthesia and superficial infections were comparable in both groups (2 cases vs 3 cases and 3 cases vs 2 cases, respectively). Hardware prominence was significantly higher in the olecranon osteotomy group, mostly due to tension band wiring. CONCLUSION: Both approaches were equivalent, but there is a need for further study including higher numbers of subjects and longer study duration to prove the benefits of one approach over the other.

Management of Synovial Chondromatosis of the Elbow With Ulnar Nerve Palsy by Open Approach: A Case Report.

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition characterized by benign metaplasia of the synovial membrane, leading to nodular growths within the joint space. We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with persistent pain and stiffness in her right elbow, ultimately diagnosed with synovial chondromatosis. Examination revealed joint effusion, tenderness, and restricted range of motion, with palpable loose bodies and ulnar nerve symptomatology. X-ray confirmed the diagnosis. Open synovectomy was performed, with meticulous attention to ulnar nerve protection and decompression. Postoperative care included analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy. Synovial chondromatosis of the elbow requires prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Prognosis is favorable with complete removal of the affected tissue. Ulnar nerve palsy should be carefully addressed during surgical management.

Assessment of a New Elbow Joint Positioning Method Using Area Detector Computed Tomography.

We propose a sitting position that achieves both high image quality and a reduced radiation dose in elbow joint imaging by area detector computed tomography (ADCT), and we compared it with the 'superman' and supine positions. The volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) for the sitting, superman, and supine positions were 2.7, 8.0, and 20.0 mGy and the dose length products (DLPs) were 43.4, 204.7, and 584.8 mGy • cm, respectively. In the task-based transfer function (TTF), the highest value was obtained for the sitting position in both bone and soft tissue images. The noise power spectrum (NPS) of bone images showed that the superman position had the lowest value up to approx. 1.1 cycles/mm or lower, whereas the sitting position had the lowest value when the NPS was greater than approx. 1.1 cycles/mm. The overall image quality in an observer study resulted in the following median Likert scores for Readers 1 and 2: 5.0 and 5.0 for the sitting position, 4.0 and 3.5 for the superman position, and 4.0 and 2.0 for the supine position. These results indicate that our proposed sitting position with ADCT of the elbow joint can provide superior image quality and allow lower radiation doses compared to the superman and supine positions.

Thoracic outlet syndrome in overhead athletes.

Background: We aimed to retrospectively compare the clinical outcomes of endoscopy-assisted first-rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) between overhead athletes and nonathletes and investigate the return to same-level sports rate in overhead athletes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 181 cases with TOS (75 women, 106 men; mean age, 28.4 years; range, 12-57 years) who underwent endoscopy-assisted first-rib resection. We divided into two groups: 79 overhead athletes and 102 nonathletes groups. A transaxillary approach for first-rib resection and neurovascular decompression was performed under magnified visualization. Endoscopic findings related to the neurovascular bundle, interscalene distance, and scalene muscle were evaluated intraoperatively. We assessed the Roos and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, return to same-level sports rate, and ball velocity. Results: Overhead athletes were significantly more likely to be men, younger, used the dominant side more frequently, and have a larger physique, more shoulder and elbow pain, and shorter symptom duration. The outcomes of the Roos score revealed significant differences in excellent or good results between overhead athletes (91.1%) and nonathletes (62.8%). The two groups significantly differed in preoperative and postoperative Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and recovery rate scores (P = .007, < .001, < .001). Conclusion: Overhead athletes with TOS were more likely to be men, younger, dominant side more frequently, and have more shoulder and elbow pain, and a shorter symptom duration. Endoscopy-assisted transaxillary first-rib resection and neurolysis provided superior clinical outcomes in overhead athletes with TOS compared with nonathletes and a high return-to-same-level-play rate in sports.

Outcomes of complete neurotomy and immediate repair of the musculocutaneous nerve for treatment of elbow spasticity.

Neurotomy interrupts the stretch reflex and can be used for the treatment of spasticity. We hypothesized that neurotomy with nerve repair reduces spasticity while preserving motor function due to the preferential recovery of efferent over afferent fibres. This study reports the 1-year outcomes of neurotomy and immediate repair of the musculocutaneous nerve in the proximal arm for treatment of elbow flexor spasticity, comparing these to outcomes in the literature for neurectomy without nerve repair. A total of 10 adult patients with spasticity of the elbow flexors from stroke or traumatic brain injury who had undergone neurotomy and immediate repair of the musculocutaneous nerve were prospectively studied. The results suggest that this procedure effectively reduces elbow flexor spasticity, improves elbow resting position, active elbow extension and is useful for achieving patient goals with effects lasting at least 12 months.Level of evidence: IV (therapeutic).

Tuberculosis of the Elbow Joint in an Indian Boy: A Rare Entity With a Diagnostic Challenge.

Tuberculosis of the bones and joints is an infrequently reported entity. Isolated involvement of the elbow joint is exceedingly rare, even in endemic countries. The diagnosis is an arduous task, especially if it presents in younger age groups. Herein, a case of tuberculosis of the right elbow joint in a seven-year-old Indian child is presented. The diagnosis was challenging due to the vague clinical features and rarity of the disease, but he was diagnosed after a detailed clinical examination along with a radiometric assessment. He was initiated on the appropriate chemotherapy.

Long-terms outcomes of radial head arthroplasty using a bipolar prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: In acute treatment of radial head fractures, a radial head prosthesis can be considered if open reduction and internal fixation are not technically feasible. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 27 consecutive bipolar Judet radial head prostheses implanted in patients with unreconstructable radial head fractures and no other concomitant fractures (coronoid or olecranon factures). The lesions of the lateral collateral ligament were rated according to the McKee classification. Twenty-three patients with more than ten-year follow-up participated in this retrospective study All patients underwent assessments for pain, range of motion and stability using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the QuickDash questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Radiography assessment was performed to determine the correct setting of the implant, presence of periprosthetic loosening, prosthetic disassembly, heterotopic ossification, capitellum and ulnohumeral degenerative changes. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 149 months (± 12.2). Mean range of motion in flexion-extension was 111° (± 10.55), mean extension was 18° (± 14.32) and mean flexion was 130° (± 11.4). Mean arc of motion in supination-pronation was 150° (± 12.26). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88, the mean QuickDash score was 7.3; 86% of the patients were satisfied. Seven patients (26%) required secondary surgery. The most frequent complication was heterotopic ossification, which had negative consequences on the functional result. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar radial head prostheses are an option for acute treatment of isolated unreconstructable radial head fractures. During follow-up, three patients required implant revision and removal; the capitellum surface presented severe degenerative changes and the prosthesis was not replaced. Another complication was the risk of implant dislocation, in relation to implant design, incorrect positioning of the radial head stem or else to inadequate reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. Further work is needed to establish the long-term follow-up results of Judet implants in complex elbow fractures.

Using 3D Printing Technology to Design Split-Piece Sleeve Prosthesis in the Revision Surgery of Tumor-Type Total Elbow Prosthetic Fractures: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Revision of tumor-type prosthetic fractures is very challenging in clinical work. Traditional repair methods may not be able to meet the needs of complex cases or cause greater bone damage. Therefore, more effective and reliable solutions need to be found. CASE PRESENTATION: This study presents a novel revision technique for managing fractures of tumor-type total elbow prostheses. A 57-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a left distal humeral bone tumor accompanied by pathological fracture and underwent customized tumor-type total elbow prosthesis arthroplasty. After 5 years, she experienced pain and encountered difficulty in flexing the left elbow while lifting heavy objects. The X-ray examination revealed a fracture of the distal humeral prosthesis. As a response, the elbow joint was initially explored, and the damaged component of the prosthesis was extracted. Subsequently, we utilized 3D printing technology to design a split-piece sleeve prosthesis and effectively restored the fractured left distal humerus implant. During the 2-year follow-up, The X-ray demonstrated satisfactory positioning of the prosthesis, which remained securely affixed without any indications of loosening. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) reached 80 points, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) attained a score of 28 points, and the range of motion of the elbow was measured between 25° and 110°, revealing favorable functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: The utilization of a 3D printed split-piece sleeve prosthesis presents a viable clinical treatment strategy for addressing fractures in tumor-type elbow prostheses.

Digital smart internal fixation surgery for coronal process basal fracture with normal joint spaces or radius-shortening: Occult factor of radius-ulna load sharing.

BACKGROUND: Reasonable postoperative humeroradial and humeroulnar joint spaces maybe an important indicator in biomechanical stability of smart internal fixation surgery for coronoid process basal fractures (CPBF). The aim of this study is to compare elbow articular stresses and elbow-forearm stability under smart internal fixations for the CPBF between normal elbow joint spaces and radius-shortening, and to determine the occult factor of radius-ulna load sharing. METHODS: CT images of 70 volunteers with intact elbow joints were retrospectively collected for accurate three-dimensional reconstruction to measure the longitudinal and transverse joint spaces. Two groups of ten finite element (FE) models were established prospectively between normal joint space and radius-shortening with 2.0 mm, including intact elbow joint and forearm, elbow-forearm with CPBF trauma, anterior or posterior double screws-cancellous bone fixation, mini-plate-cancellous bone fixation. Three sets of physiological loads (compression, valgus, varus) were used for FE intelligent calculation, FE model verification, and biomechanical and motion analysis. RESULTS: The stress distribution between coronoid process and radial head, compression displacements and valgus angles of elbow-forearm in the three smart fixation models of the normal joint spaces were close to those of corresponding intact elbow model, but were significantly different from those of preoperative CPBF models and fixed radius-shortening models. The maximum stresses of three smart fixation instrument models of normal joint spaces were significantly smaller than those of the corresponding fixed radius-shortening models. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the existing trauma of the elbow-forearm system in clinical practice, which is a dominant factor affecting radius-ulna load sharing, the elbow joint longitudinal space has been found to be the occult factor affecting radius-ulna load sharing. The stability and load sharing of radius and ulna after three kinds of smart fixations of the CPBF is not only related to the anatomical and biomechanical stability principles of smart internal fixations, but also closely related to postoperative elbow joint longitudinal space.

The Septic Elbow Joint: Treatment Approaches for Improved Patient Outcomes.

Septic arthritis of the elbow is a serious problem requiring prompt, accurate diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention. Achieving successful patient outcomes depends heavily on early diagnosis and efficient streamlined surgical treatment. Essential tactics for treating the septic elbow joint include immediate joint irrigation and debridement in addition to administration of appropriate antibiotics. This comprehensive review delves into the cause of the septic elbow joint, identifies associated risk factors, and provides a comprehensive approach encompassing the diagnosis and treatment of the septic elbow. The aim of this review is to optimize patient care and outcomes.

Discovery Elbow System arthroplasty polyethylene bearing exchange: outcomes and experience.

BACKGROUND: The Discovery Elbow System (DES) utilizes a polyethylene bearing within the ulnar component. An exchange bearing requires preoperative freezing and implantation within 2 minutes of freezer removal to allow insertion. We report our outcomes and experience using this technique. METHODS: This was an analysis of a two-surgeon consecutive series of DES bearing exchange. Inclusion criteria included patients in which exchange was attempted with a minimum 1-year follow-up. Clinical and radiographic review was performed 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 10 years postoperative. Outcome measures included range of movement, Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), complications and requirement for revision surgery. RESULTS: Eleven DESs in 10 patients were included. Indications were bearing wear encountered during humeral component revision (n=5); bearing failure (n=4); and infection treated with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR; n=2). Bearing exchange was conducted on the first attempt in 10 cases. One case required a second attempt. One patient developed infection postoperatively managed with two-stage revision. Mean follow-up of the bearing exchange DES was 3 years. No further surgery was required, with no infection recurrence in DAIR cases. Mean elbow flexion-extension and pronosupination arcs were 107° (±22°) and 140° (±26°). Mean OES was 36/48 (±12) and MEPS was 83/100 (±19). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of DES bearing exchange in cases of bearing wear with well-fixed stems or acute infection. This series provides surgeons managing DES arthroplasty with management principles, successful and reproducible surgical techniques and expected clinical outcomes in performing DES polyethylene bearing exchange. Level of evidence: IV.

[Binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position for release of elbow stiffness].

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position for the release of elbow stiffness. Methods: The clinical data of 16 patients with elbow stiffness treated with binocular loupe assisted mini-internal and external incisions in lateral position release between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged from 19 to 57 years, with a median age of 33.5 years. Etiologies included olecranon fracture in 6 cases, elbow dislocation in 4 cases, medial epicondyle fracture in 2 cases, radial head fracture in 4 cases, terrible triad of elbow joint in 2 cases, supracondylar fracture of humerus in 1 case, coronoid process fracture of ulna in 1 case, and humerus fracture in 1 case, with 5 cases presenting a combination of two etiologies. The duration of symptoms ranged from 5 to 60 months, with a median of 8 months. Preoperatively, 12 cases had concomitant ulnar nerve numbness, and 6 cases exhibited ectopic ossification. The preoperative range of motion for elbow flexion and extension was (58.63±22.30)°, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4.3±1.6, and the Mayo score was 71.9±7.5. Incision lengths for both lateral and medial approaches were recorded, as well as the occurrence of complications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Mayo scores, VAS scores, and elbow range of motion both preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: The lateral incision lengths for all patients ranged from 3.0 to 4.8 cm, with an average of 4.1 cm. The medial incision lengths ranged from 2.4 to 4.2 cm, with an average of 3.0 cm. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 19 months and a mean of 9.2 months. At last follow-up, 1 patient reported moderate elbow joint pain, and 3 cases exhibited residual mild ulnar nerve numbness. The other patients had no complications such as new heterotopic ossification and ulnar nerve paralysis, which hindered the movement of elbow joint. At last follow-up, the elbow range of motion was (130.44±9.75)°, the VAS score was 1.1±1.0, and the Mayo score was 99.1±3.8, which significantly improved when compared to the preoperative ones ( t=-12.418, P<0.001; t=6.419, P<0.001; t=-13.330, P<0.001). Conclusion: The binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position integrated the advantages of traditional open and arthroscopic technique, which demonstrated satisfying safety and effectivity for the release of elbow contracture, but it is not indicated for patients with posterior medial heterolateral heterotopic ossification.

Concurrent Palmar Lunate Dislocation and Posterior Elbow Dislocation With a Distal Radius Fracture: A Rare Case Report.

We present an unusual case involving the simultaneous dislocation of the trans-scapho-retro-lunate in the right wrist and a posterolateral dislocation in the right elbow joint with a distal radius fracture in a 23-year-old male with no notable medical history. These injuries occurred when he fell from a height of around 12 meters onto his outstretched right hand. The patient presented to the hospital in a normal upper limb trauma position with no discomfort to critical functions. Predominant symptoms at the emergency department were discomfort in the right wrist, hand, and ipsilateral elbow, as well as the entire upper limb functional impairment. Both the wrist and the elbow seemed distorted on examination, with considerable edema and loss of bone landmarks. Passive mobilization was hampered by pain, but peripheral pulses were detectable. The radial, ulnar, and median nerves' autonomous sensory-motor domains were intact, with a cutaneous opening classified as stage 2 by the Cauchoix-Duparc classification. The elbow dislocation was successfully treated using a closed reduction method. External manipulation was employed to reduce the trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation, which was subsequently stabilized through percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid using a triquetrum-lunate pin. Additionally, a styloid pin was utilized to address and manage a distal radius fracture, followed by the implementation of a radiometacarpal external fixator. After one year and three months, the patient reported no pain in his elbow and minimal wrist discomfort during heavy lifting.

Regional distribution prevalence of heterotopic ossification in the elbow joint: a 3D study of patients after surgery for traumatic elbow injury.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication after elbow fracture surgery and can lead to severe upper extremity disability. The radiographic localization of postoperative HO has been reported previously. However, there is no literature examining the distribution of postoperative HO at the three-dimensional (3D) level. This study aimed to investigate 1) the distribution characteristics of postoperative HO and 2) the possible risk factors affecting the severity of postoperative HO at a 3D level. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who presented to our institution with HO secondary to elbow fracture between 13 January 2020 and 16 February 2023. Computed tomography scans of 56 elbows before elbow release surgery were reconstructed in 3D. HO was identified using density thresholds combined with manual identification and segmentation. The elbow joint and HO were divided into six regions according to three planes: the transepicondylar plane, the lateral ridge of the trochlear plane, and the radiocapitellar joint and coronoid facet plane. The differences in the volume of regional HO associated with different initial injuries were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative HO was predominantly present in the medial aspect of the capsule in 52 patients (93%), in the lateral aspect of the capsule in 45 patients (80%), in the medial supracondylar in 32 patients (57%), and in the lateral supracondylar, radial head, and ulnar region in the same number of 28 patients (50%). The median and interquartile range volume of total postoperative HO was 1683 (777-4894) mm3. The median and interquartile range volume of regional postoperative HO were: 584 (121-1454) mm3 at medial aspect of capsule, 207 (5-568) mm3 at lateral aspect of capsule, 25 (0-449) mm3 at medial supracondylar, 1 (0-288) at lateral supracondylar, 2 (0-478) at proximal radius and 7 (0-203) mm3 at the proximal ulna. In the subgroups with Injury Severity Score > or = 16, Gustilo-Anderson II, normal uric acid levels, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and body mass index > or = 24, the median HO volume exceeds that of the respective control groups. CONCLUSION: The medial aspect of the capsule was the area with the highest frequency and median volume of postoperative HO among all initial elbow injury types. Patients with higher Gustilo-Anderson grade, Injury Severity Score, alkaline phosphatase or Body Mass Index had higher median volume of postoperative HO.

Does the articularis cubiti muscle really exist? Anatomical, histological, and magnetic resonance imaging study with a narrative review of literature.

Although the term articularis cubiti muscle is incorporated in the official anatomical nomenclature, only sparse data about its appearance are available. It is usually described as few fibres originating from the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle and inserting to the capsule of the elbow joint. However, the most recent observations regarding the morphological relations in the posterior elbow region point towards the absence of a well-defined muscle. Therefore, this study was designed to verify the existence of the articularis cubiti muscle in question and to compile more data on the topographical features of the subtricipital area near the posterior aspect of the elbow. To address these questions, 20 embalmed upper limbs were dissected, and seven samples were collected for histological analysis. The laboratory findings were then correlated with 20 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the elbow. Consequently, a narrative review of literature was performed to gain more information on the discussed muscle in a historical context. Upon the anatomical dissection, muscular fibres running from the posterior aspect of the shaft of the humerus to the elbow joint capsule and olecranon were identified in 100% of cases. Histologically, the connection with the joint capsule was provided via winding bands of connective tissue. On MRIs, the muscular fibres resembled a well-demarcated thin muscle located underneath the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle. Combined with the review of literature, we concluded that the constant articularis cubiti muscle originates from the posterior shaft of the humerus and attaches indirectly to the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule and directly to the superior portion of the olecranon. The obtained results slightly differ from the modern description, but are in agreement with the original publication, which has become misinterpreted throughout time. Presumably, the misused description has led to questioning the existence of an independent muscle. Moreover, our findings attribute to the articularis cubiti muscle, a function in pulling on the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule to prevent its entrapment, and possibly also a minor role in extension of the forearm. The presented results should be taken into consideration when intervening with the posterior aspect of the elbow joint because the articularis cubiti muscle poses a consistently appearing landmark.

Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty compared to total elbow replacement for distal humeral fractures: a registry analysis of 906 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Total elbow replacement (TER) is an accepted treatment for complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty (HA) is also a potential surgical option for unreconstructable fractures and avoids the concerns regarding mechanical wear and functional restrictions associated with TER. In the current literature, there are limited data available to compare the revision rates of HA and TER for the treatment of fracture. We used data from a large national arthroplasty registry to compare the outcome of HA and TER undertaken for fracture/dislocation and to assess the impact of demographics and implant choice on revision rates. METHODS: Data obtained from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry from May 2, 2005, to December 31, 2021, included all procedures for primary elbow replacement with primary diagnosis of fracture or dislocation. The analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates of survivorship and hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: There were 293 primary HA and 631 primary TER procedures included. The cumulative percentage revision (CPR) rate at 9 years was 9.7% for HA (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0, 15.7), and 11.9% (95% CI 8.5, 16.6) for TER. When adjusted for age and gender, there was a significantly higher risk of revision after 3 months for TER compared to HA (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.22, 5.03, P = .012). There was no difference in the rate of revision for patients aged <55 years or ≥75 years when HA and TER procedures were compared. In primary TER procedures, loosening was the most common cause of revision (3.6% of primary TER procedures), and the most common type of revision in primary TER involved revision of the humeral component only (2.6% of TER procedures). TER has a higher rate of first revision for loosening compared to HA (HR 4.21, 95% CI 1.29, 13.73; P = .017). In HA procedures, instability (1.7%) was the most common cause for revision. The addition of an ulna component was the most common type of revision (2.4% of all HA procedures). CONCLUSION: For the treatment of distal humerus fractures, HA had a lower revision rate than TER after 3 months when adjusted for age and gender. Age <55 or ≥75 years was not a risk factor for revision when HA was compared to TER. Loosening leading to revision is more prevalent in TER and increases with time. In HA, the most common type of revision involved addition of an ulna component with preservation of the humeral component.

Semiquantitative index of symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow at CT arthrography (SMILE index): clinical applicability and reproducibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the applicability of a semiquantitative index for symptomatic minor instability of the lateral elbow (SMILE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT arthrograms of consecutive patients with lateral elbow pain who underwent ultrasound-guided CT arthrography at our orthopedic center between April 2019 and May 2022 were included. Images were acquired at 100 kVp and 80 mAs. An expert radiologist (R1) and a radiology resident (R2) retrospectively performed an independent, blinded evaluation of the arthrograms to assess the presence of imaging findings suggestive of elbow instability. The SMILE index (0-8) was obtained adding (I) radial head chondromalacia (0 - 1); (II) humeral capitellum chondromalacia (0 - 1); (III) humeral trochlear ridge chondromalacia (0 - 1); (IV) annular ligament laxity (0 - 2); (V) synovial thickening (0 - 1); (VI) humeroradial joint asymmetry (0 - 1); and (VII) capsular tear (0 - 1). R1 repeated the assessment after 14 days. Cohen's weighted κ statistic and raw concordance were used to appraise reproducibility. RESULTS: Eighty patients (median age 49 years, interquartile range 40-53 years, 49, 61% males) underwent CT arthrography at our center, and 10 (12%) of them underwent bilateral elbow examination, leading to 90 included CT arthrograms. Median SMILE index was 4 (IQR: 2-5) for R1, 4 (IQR: 2-5) for R2, and 4 (IQR: 2-5) for the second assessment by R1. Intra-reader agreement was excellent (κ = 0.94, concordance 87%), while inter-reader agreement was substantial (κ = 0.75, concordance 67%). CONCLUSION: The proposed SMILE index showed good reproducibility; further studies are warranted to correlate our index with clinical and surgical data. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Our scoring system allows a standardized evaluation of patients with lateral elbow pain and instability suitable for application into clinical practice, complementing the orthopedic surgeon's clinical diagnosis with imaging findings that may aid treatment choices. KEY POINTS: • Lateral elbow pain is often interpreted clinically as lateral epicondylitis, but it can also encompass intra-articular pathology. • The proposed arthrographic index allows comprehensive quantification of lateral elbow pathology with good reproducibility and application times. • Our index provides the orthopedic surgeon with information regarding intra-articular findings, aiding treatment choices.

Elbow stiffness: Interview with professor Bernard Morrey.

Stiff elbow is a complex condition whose diagnosis and management are sometimes quite a challenge. Compared to the other joints, the elbow is disproportionately affected by loss of motion following trauma or surgery. It is unclear why the elbow tends to develop stiffness; its anatomical complexity, namely the presence of three highly congruent joints in the same capsule and synovial space, the tautness of the lateral and medial collateral ligaments through the whole range of motion, and the very close relationship among tendons, muscles, and skin 2 may account for this characteristic. In a stiff elbow, it is critical to assess the possible involvement of articular and periarticular tissues, particularly the degree of preservation of the articular surfaces and joint congruency. Morrey et al have classified post-traumatic stiff elbow into three types: 1) extrinsic contracture, which involves the soft tissue around the joint (capsule, ligaments, muscles) and heterotopic ossification across the joint, 2) intrinsic contracture, secondary to intra-articular fractures that have altered the anatomy of the articular surface, and 3) mixed contracture, combining intrinsic and extrinsic contracture. In the preoperative clinical assessment, we assume capsule contracture to be present in all patients with a stiff elbow. Two main associated lesions can affect prognosis and surgical management: heterotopic ossification and an altered bone joint anatomy. According to Morrey et al, most activities of daily living can be accomplished within an arc of motion from 30° to 130° in extension and flexion and of 50° in pronation and supination. The elbow arc of motion is not compensated for by the wrist and shoulder, thus loss of extension impairs the use of the hand in the space around the body and loss of flexion limits its use for grooming and self-care. The elbow should carefully be tested for deformity of the axial bone alignment (varus and valgus deformity) and rotational stability. Several treatment options are available for stiff elbow, from conservative management with a dedicated rehabilitation program to surgical treatment and from arthroscopic capsulectomy to joint replacement.

Elbow stiffness: Arthritis and heterotopic ossification.

In elbow stiffness, pre-operative assessments should identify the articular and peri-articular tissues involved and, more specifically, they should determine how preserved the articular surfaces and osteo-articular congruity are. We will focus on the most important conditions and tissue reactions after trauma in order to understand the causes of joint stiffness. A logical surgical planning is based upon a deep knowledge of the anatomical obstacles and of the associated lesions that the trauma provoked with. The peri-articular soft tissue contractures. The osteo-articular incongruity.

A novel configuration for the fixation of intra-articular C2.3 distal humerus fractures with the potential for minimally invasive surgery: a biomechanical evaluation and finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Distal humerus fractures are a challenge to treat, and the current standard of care, open reduction internal fixation with a double-plate, has a high rate of complications. We proposed a novel internal fixation configuration, lateral intramedullary nail and medial plate (LINMP) and verified its rigidity through biomechanical tests and finite element analysis. METHODS: The study involved biomechanical testing of 30 synthetic humerus models to compare 2 different fixation systems for an AO 13C-2.3 type fracture. The orthogonal double-plate (ODP) group and the LINMP group were compared through biomechanical testing to measure stiffness and failure load fewer than 3 working conditions. Based on the results, we optimized the intramedullary nail by eliminating the holes at the distal end of the nail and incorporating a 2-hole external locking plate. The Finite element analysis was also conducted to further compare the modified LINMP configuration with the previous 2 fixation configurations. RESULTS: In biomechanical tests, the ODP group exhibited lower stiffness under bending and compression forces compared to the LINMP group, but higher stiffness and failure loads under torsion force. In finite element analysis, the modified LINMP reduces the maximum stress of the fixation structure without significantly reducing the stiffness under bending stress and axial compression conditions. In torsion stress conditions, the modified LINMP enhances both the maximum stress and the stiffness, although it remains marginally inferior to the ODP structure. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the innovative LINMP presents comparable or slightly superior concerning bending and axial loading compared to orthogonal double-plate osteosynthesis for distal humeral intra-articular fractures, which might become a minimally invasive option for these fractures.