Treatment of complex fracture--dislocation of elbow with external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation / 中国骨伤

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the method and the effect of external fixator and limited internal fixation with joint applied for complex fracture-dislocation of elbow.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From Mar. 2005 to Mar. 2008, 17 patients with complex fracture-dislocation of elbow were treated with external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation. Nine of them were on the left side and 8 on the right side. There were 11 males and 6 females. The age was from 21 to 57 years with an average of 37 years. The clinical effects were evaluated according to Mayo scoring of elbow joint function (including pain, rang of motion, joint stability and so on).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 5 to 10 months with an average of 8 months. The mean mayo score was 82 +/- 10 (62-96). The results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 7, fair in 3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The technique of external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation for complex fracture-dislocation of elbow can restore anatomical articular surface with advantage of early functional training which can decrease the occurrence of elbow stiff and soft tissue contracture. It is a satisfactory method in treating complex fracture-dislocation of elbow.</p>