TiRobot navigation for hinged external fixation in elbow arthrolysis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of TiRobot navigation for hinged external fixation in elbow arthrolysis.Methods:The 11 patients were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated by elbow arthrolysis at Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital using TiRobot navigation for hinged external fixation. There were 9 males and 2 females with a mean age of 39.3 years (from 21 to 66 years). Their elbow range of motion (ROM) was compared between preoperation and the final follow-up. Their visual analogue scale (VAS) and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and complications were documented at the final follow-up.Results:The rotation axis of the elbow joint was positioned with the aid of intraoperative robot navigation in 11 patients.The deviation of entry point averaged 0.21 mm (from 0.05 to 0.41 mm) and the deviation of exit point 0.23 mm (from 0.06 to 0.38 mm). The follow-up time for the 11 patients averaged 25.8 months (from 16 to 32 months). Their elbow flexion and extension was 133.0° (134.9°, 138.7°) and rotation 164.6° ±17.5° at the final follow-up, significantly improved compared with their preoperative values [0.8°(0°, 33.7°) and 122.9°±49.0°] ( P<0.05). Their VAS averaged 0.2 (from 0 to 1) and MEPS 96.8 (from 85 to 100) at the final follow-up, giving 9 excellent and 2 good cases. There was no case of radial nerve injury, pin instability, pin breakage, pin infection or peri-pin fracture. Conclusion:When TiRobot navigation is used for hinged external fixation in elbow arthrolysis, the axis of rotation can be accurately located, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes for the patients.