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

ABSTRACT

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