Clinical effect of elbow anterolateral approach with internal fixation in the treatment of capitellum fractures / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of elbow anterolateral approach with internal fixation in the treatment of capitellum fractures.Methods 12 patients with capitellum fractures were divided into types according to Bryan-Morrey classificationtype Ⅰ (n=8),type Ⅱ (n=2),type Ⅳ (n=2).Patients were treated with anterolateral approach with AO cannulated screw fixation.Curative effect was evaluated according to Broberg-Morrey scale.Imaging evaluation was conducted.Results No lateral collateral ligament injury,blood vessels or nerve injury were found in patients.Primary healings were obtained after operation.All patients were followed up for 8 to 26 months postoperatively (averaged 16 months).All fractures were healed at 5 to 9 weeks after operation (averaged 7.2 weeks).Postoperative elbow flexion and extension was averaged (127.2±12.8) ° and forearm rotation was averaged (154.6 ± 15.3)°.Postoperative Broberg-Morrey score was averaged 90.5.The 8 cases were excellent,3 cases good and 1 case poor.Conclusions Operation should be applicated according to fracture classification in the treatment of capitellum fractures.Anterolateral approach is better to expose the fracture,which is convenient for operation,and AO cannulated screw fixation can fix the fractures firmly.Clinical effect is satisfactory when taking early functional exercise for elbow joint.