Operative treatment of posttraumatic instability of the elbow: evaluation and outcome / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To retrospectively analyze the therapy comparison between the unilateral hinged external fixator assisting the internal fixation, soft tissue repair and reconstruction and routine surgery for elbow instability of fracture dislocation.[Method]A total of 117 cases of elbow fracture dislocation were collected from Jan. 2001 to Jun. 2005. Some patients were treated by unilateral hinged external fixator, and others were treated by routine surgery and casting external fixation.The JOA assessment was applied for the pain, function, arc of motion, articular instability and deformity of elbow joint before surgery and after operational follow-up. [Result]Eighty-six cases were followed up by telephone and mail appointment.The average follow-up time was 18.6 months (from the range of 8 months to 30 months).The function and arc of motion of two group patients were assessed by JOA in post-operational follow-up, showing statistical significant difference (P0.05). The total assessment score between two groups indicates statistical significant difference.[Conclusion]The operation in combination with unilateral hinged external fixator for treating elbow instability of fracture dislocation will enhance lateral stability of elbows, guaranteen early safe elbow function exercises, facilitate stable environment for ligaments healing,suggesting a good subsidiary operational method.