Diagnosis and treatment of elbow varus posteromedial rotational instability / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To report the early surgical outcomes of treating elbow varus posteromedialrotational instability (EVPRI),a pattern of traumatic elbow instability which has been recently described but incompletely understood. MethodsFrom December 2009 to April 2011,11 male patients with an EVPRI pattern were surgically treated in our hospital.Their average age was 33.8(from 22 to 40) years.They had 4 left and 7 right elbows affected.All had tenderness at the medial and lateral sides of the elbow and varus angulation of the elbow without dislocation.Their preoperative stress view X-rays and CT scans showed widened humeroradial joint space and fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process.We confirmed the diagnosis by applying yarus,pronated and axial stresses onto the forearm to evoke elbow dislocation,under fluoroscopy after anesthesia.In the initial operative treatment,the coronoid was repaired with a plate and K-wires applied to the medial surface of the coronoid,and a hinged external fixator was applied at the lateral side without repairing the lateral collateral ligament.Early rehabilitation was encouraged. Results All were followed up for an average of 14.4 (from 6 to 26) months.Each obtained an excellent result according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and recovered excellent elbow function.The average flexion was 137.8° ± 4.4° (from 130°to 140°), average extension 5.6°±7.3° (from 0 to 20°), average range of extension-flexion 132.2°±9.7°(from 120° to 140°),average pronation 87.8°±6.7°(from 70° to 90°),average supination 88.9° ± 3.3° (from 80° to 90°),and average range of rotation 176.7° ± 10.0° (from 150° to 180°).No complications such as varus subluxation of the elbow,infection and arthrosis occurred in this group. Conclusions Since EVPRI is a distinct type of elbow fracture-dislocation that must be recognized and adequately treated to restore good elbow function,inadequate or conservative treatment may cause subluxation,arthrosis or a poor outcome.Surgical treatment can achieve an excellent early outcome and avoid severe complications.