The clinical research on the technique of limited internal fixation combined with hinged super-articular external fixator for the elbow fracture / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the clinical value of limited internal fixation combined with hinged super-articular external fixator for the treatment of elbow fracture. Methods 10 patents with elbow fracture were treated with hinged external fixator from March 2001 to November 2002. It involved 8 males and 2 females, aged from 22 to 46 years. There were 4 humeral intercondylar fractures of Riseborough type Ⅳ, the fractures were fixed with few cancellous or interfacial screws through the postero-medial approach, the olecranon and the attached triceps were reflected proximally after the olecranon osteotomy. Among the other 6 severe fracture-dislocations of the elbow, 2 complicated with fracture of the coronoid process; 1 fracture of the Regan type Ⅲ, whose fragments were over 50% of the coronoid process, was fixed with screws; another 1 fracture of the Regan type Ⅱ, whose comminution was less than 50%, was sutured with the joint capsule from proximal to distal part; 2 combined with radial head fracture of Mason type Ⅳ, both selected the lateral elbow approach, 1 with resection because of comminution, the other was fixed nearly the 2/3 of its whole dimension; and 2 with olecranon fracture were fixed with tension-band wire. Results All 10 patients were available at final follow up, the mean duration was 12 months (range, 6-18 months). According to the Morry scoring system, there were 6 excellent, 3 good, 1 fair, and the effective rate was 90%. 8 cases united in the first-stage, the other 2 achieved delayed union because of open fracture. Conclusion The technique of hinged external fixator for the fractures around elbow not only can help to stabilize the fractures but also allows early rehabilitation. In comparison with other methods, it can better improve the function of elbow, so it is an effective treatment for this kind of injury.