ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow have achieved a breakthrough. OBJECTIVE: To introduce the definition, basic anatomy, stable structure, injury mechanism and classification of terrible triad of the elbow, and to discuss the treatment plan deeply. METHODS: The first author searched PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang databases for the articles published before September 2019. The keywords were “terrible triad of the elbow, elbow joint, fracture dislocation” in English and Chinese, respectively. A large number of articles concerning the terrible triad of the elbow in recent years were reviewed, and the treatment strategy was summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: For the terrible triad of the elbow, the operator must carefully check the patient before operation, carefully analyze the imaging examination results and three-dimensional printed model, and accurately judge the bone structure of the elbow and degree of ligament injury. During the operation, the stability of the radial head, the fracture of the coronoid process and the injury of the lateral ligament complex are usually reconstructed through a single lateral approach or a combination of internal and external approaches. Then, the stability of elbow joint is tested to determine whether it is necessary to repair the medial ligament complex or use the hinged external fixator to restore the stability of elbow joint. Early active rehabilitation is needed. The above systematic treatment can reduce postoperative complications, accelerate fracture healing, and improve elbow joint function and patients’ quality of life.