【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the methods and effectiveness of arthroscopic poking reduction and percutaneousfixation of radial head fractures. Methods Between August 2002 and May 2010, 15 patients with radial head fractures weretreated using arthroscopic poking reduction and percutaneous fixation with a Kirschner wire. There were 11 males and 4 females with an average age of 29.6 years (range, 17-41 years). The locations were left side in 6 cases and right side in 9 cases. Injuries were caused by falling in 8 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by sports in 3 cases. The average time from injury to admission was 3.4 days (range, 1-8 days). Of them, 13 patients had Mason type II, and 2 patients had type III fractures. Accompanying injuries were lateral collateral ligament ruptures in 5 patients. Results The X-ray films confirmed good reduction and fracture heal ing. Incisions healed by first intention; no complication occurred, such as neurovascular injury, infection, or hardware failure. All patients were followed up 25 months on average (range, 12-32 months). The flexion-extension arc was (139.0 ± 7.9)° at last follow-up, showing no significant difference when compared with the contralateral (141.0 ± 5.1)° (t=1.146, P=0.271); the range of pronation and supination was (143.3 ± 7.0)° when compared with the contralateral (146.0 ± 4.7)° (t=1.948, P=0.072). The mean Mayo elbow performance score was 92 (range, 80-100); the mean Broberg-Morrey score was 95.2 (range, 85-100); the results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 3 cases. Conclusion Arthroscopic poking reduction and percutaneous fixation with a Kirschner wire offers accurate reduction, rel iable fixation, minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and lower morbidity for Mason type II and selective Mason type III radial head fractures.
Objective To investigate the method and effectiveness of operative treatment of anterior olecranon fracture-dislocation. Methods Between January 2007 and December 2010, 10 cases of anterior olecranon fracture-dislocation were treated. There were 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 46.1 years (range, 27-68 years). The injury was caused by traffic accident in 7 cases, falling from height in 2 cases, and falling in 1 case. Nine cases were fresh fracture and 1 case was old fracture. There were 9 cases of ulnar olecranon comminuted fracture and 1 case of simple oblique fracture. Associated fractures were Regan-Morrey type III coronoid process fractures in 5 cases, Mason type II radial head fracture in 1 case, and Mason type III radial head fracture in 1 case. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed in all cases: reconstruction plates were used in 4 cases, tension band and reconstruction plates in 5 cases, and tension band and one-third tubular plate in 1 case; bone graft was performed in 2 cases. Results All incisions healed by first intention. The patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 19.8 months). The X-ray films showed that fractures healing was achieved at 12-24 weeks (mean, 16.4 weeks). No failure of internal fixation, ulnohumeral joint instability, or traumatic arthritis occurred. At last follow-up, the elbow function score was 69-100 (mean, 89.1) according to the Broberg-Morrey evaluation criteria; the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 80%. The Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand (DASH) score was 0-22 (mean, 9). The visual analogue score (VAS) was 0-3 (mean, 0.5). Conclusion For anterior olecranon fracture-dislocation, an early and stable anatomic reconstruction of the trochlear notch of the ulna with plates and early active mobilization are given, the good functional results can be obtained.
Objective To evaluate the short-term results of reconstruction of stiff elbow under arthroscopy technique in patients with elbow osteoarthritis. Methods Between March 2006 and March 2009, 38 cases of elbow osteoarthritis with contracture were treated under arthroscopy technique. There were 26 males and 12 females with an average age of 47.8 years (range, 26-66 years). Unilateral side was affected in all cases, including 13 cases at the left side and 25 at the right side with 30 patients on the dominant side. The disease duration was more than 6 months. X-ray examination showed that 31 patients had free body, and 28 had osteophytosis. Seven patients had ulnar neuritis. The arthroscopy functional reconstruction was performed including synovectomy, free body removal, and osteocapsular arthroplasty. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 8 months). Transient radial nerve injury occurred in 1 case, re-adhesion of elbow joint in 1 case, and heterotopic ossification of brachial ulnar joint in 1 case at 6 months after operation. In 1 patient compl icated by ulnar neuritis, the disorder of ulnar nerve was not improved, nervous symptoms disappeared after the re-operation of ulnar nerve relaxation after 2 months. The range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain at 3 and 6 months had significant differences when compared with those before operation (P lt; 0.05), but had no significant difference between two time points after operation (P gt; 0.05). According to MEPS functional criteria, the results were classified as excellent in 20 cases, good in 15 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case at 6 months after operation, and the excellent and good rate was 92.1%. No new free body or osteophytosis occurred after operation by X-ray examination. Conclusion The arthroscopy is an effective technique to reconstruct the function of stiff elbow, which can obviously improve the range of motion and the function of elbow joint, and has good short-term results.
Objective To explore the operation procedure and effectiveness of terrible triad of the elbow joint. Methods Between October 2006 and June 2010, 11 cases of closed terrible triad of the elbow joint were treated by operation. There were 8 males and 3 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 21-53 years). The mechanism of injury was fall ing from height in 4 cases and traffic accident in 7 cases. The time from injury to admission was 30 minutes to 9 days. According to Regan-Morrey classification for fractures of the ulnar coronoid, there were 5 cases of type I, 5 cases of type II, and 1case of type III; and according to Mason classification for fractures of the radial head, there were 4 cases of type I, 5 cases of type II, and 2 cases of type III. The elbow joint range of motion (ROM) was (63 ± 9)° at flexion and extension, and the forearm ROM was (71 ± 8)° at pronation and supination. All cases underwent reduction and fixation by lateral approach combined with medial approach according to McKeeps operation process. After operation, the affected l imb was immobil ized with plaster at elbow joint flexion of 90° and in forearm neutral position, then passive physical exercises were carried out, and finally active physical exercises were done after removing plaster at 4 weeks. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Eleven cases were followed up 7-27 months (14.5 months on average). The X-ray films showed good reduction, the cl inical heal ing time was 8-19 weeks with an average of 11 weeks. Mild ectopic ossification of the elbow joint occurred in 3 cases at 6 months after operation, mild degenerative change in 1 case at 18 months after operation. At last follow-up, the elbow joint ROM was (103 ± 14)° at flexion and extension, and the forearm ROM was (122 ± 13)° at pronation and supination, showing no significant difference when compared with the values of normal elbow joint (P gt; 0.05) and significant difference when compared with the preoperative values of affected elbow joint (P lt; 0.05). According to Mayo elbow performance score, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 90.9%. Conclusion The surgical treatment of terrible triad of the elbow joint can restore sufficiently elbow stabil ity, allow early motion postoperatively, and enhance the functional outcome.
Objective To review the basic research and cl inical progress of elbow heterotopic ossification after injury. Methods The recent l iterature concerning heterotopic ossification of the elbow was reviewed. Results Heterotopic ossification was caused by variety of stimul i and conditions. The current methods of prevention and treatment were to improve surgical techniques, to reduce trauma and bleeding, to rinse the area with bone fragments with plenty of salt water, and to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion Once heterotopic ossification occurred, surgical treatment is unique treatment method, so emphasis is to prevent heterotopic ossification.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the AO anatomical locking compression plate in treating type C distal humeral fracture. Methods Between July 2008 and April 2009, 13 cases of type C distal humeral fracture were treated with the AO anatomical locking compression plates. There were 5 males and 8 females with an average age of 52.1 years (range, 24-80 years). Fractures were caused by tumbl ing in 7 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by fall ing from height in2 cases. According to Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, there were 3 cases of type C1, 6 cases of type C2, and 4 cases of type C3. Two cases compl icated by ulnar nerve injuries, 1 by radial nerve injury, 2 by fractures of ulnar olecranon, 3 by fractures of other parts of extremities, and 6 by osteoporosis. The time from injury to hospital ization ranged from 3 hours to 4 days (0.9 day on average). Results All the incisions achieved heal ing by first intention. Thirteen cases were followed up 12 to 21 months with an average of 15.9 months. According to the X-ray films, unions were achieved both at fracture site and the olecranon osteotomy site with a heal ing time of 8 to 13 weeks (10 weeks on average). The function of elbows recovered from 3 to 32 weeks (10 weeks on average). No fixation failure, myositis ossifican, delayed union, or malunion occurred during the follow-up. The Mayo Elbow Performance score ranged from 75 to 100 with an average score of 95.8; the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 92.3%. Conclusion The AO anatomical locking compression plate has a good fixation in treating type C distal humeral fracture. Through the approach of olecranon osteotomy, it is easy to get anatomical reduction, stable fixation, and early exercise.
Objective To retrospectively reviewed the operative therapy of the terrible triad of the elbow. Methods From October 2003 to September 2007, 10 cases of terrible triad were treated, with an elbow dislocation and an associated fracture of both the radial head and the coronoid process. There were 3 males and 7 females with the age of 18-66 years. The injury was caused by traffic accidents in 4 cases, fall ing from a height in 4 cases, and tumbl ing in 2 cases. The coronoid process fractures of the patients were 5 cases of type I, 3 cases of type II and 2 cases of type III according to Regan- Morrey classification. The radial head fractures of the patients were 1 case of type I, 6 cases of type II and 1 case of type IIIaccording to Mason classification, and their radial heads of the other 2 patiants were resected before they were in hospital. The general approach was to repair the damaged structures sequentially from deep to superficial, from coronoid to anterior capsule to radial head to lateral l igament complex to common extensor origin. And selected cases were repaired of the medial collateral l igaments and assisted mobile hinged external fixation to keep the forearm fixed in functional rotation position. The function of the elbows were evaluated with the criteria of the HSS2 score system. Results The other wounds healed by first intention except 1 case which had infection 7 days after operation and whose soft tissue defect in posterior elbow were repaired with the pedicle thoracoumbil ical flap. The patients were followed up 6 to 51 mouths (mean 24.9 mouths). The fracture heal ing time was 6 to 20 weeks (mean 9.6 weeks). Six mouths postoperatively, the mean flexion-extension arc of the elbow was 106.5° (85-130°), and the mean pronation-supination arc of the forearm was 138°( 100-160°) respectively. According to the criteria of the HSS2 score, the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases. No compl ications such as stiffness and ulnohumeral arthrosis occurred. The radial nerve injury was found in 1 patient 1 day after operation who was treated with neurolysis, and the nerve function was recovered after 4-6 months. And heterotopic ossification occurred in 6 patients 6 months after operation and radiographic subluxation developed in 1 patient 36 months after operation, and conservative treatment weregiven. Conclusion The terrible triad of the elbow can lead to serious elbow instabil ity and should be treated with operationto restore the anatomic structures, to repair the articular capsule and the collateral l igament, using the adjuvant hinged external fixation and early exercise to avoid immobil ization and recover the articular function.
【Abstract】 Objective To evaluate the cl inical effect of excising the radial head, repairing or reconstructing themedial collateral l igament (MCL) in treating comminuted fracture of the radial head accompanying by MCL injury. Methods From September 2000 to April 2006, 18 patients with comminuted fractures of radial head accompanying by MCL injury were treated by excision of the radial head, repair or reconstruction of the MCL. Of them, there were 12 males and 6 females,aged 21 to 57 years. Injury was caused by high fall ing in 10 cases and by traffic accidents in 8 cases. According to Mason classifications,13 fractures were of type Ⅲ and 5 of type Ⅳ . Fifteen cases of fresh fractures were operated within 2 weeks, 3 cases of old fractures at 4, 6, and 14 months after injury respectively. Four cases underwent MCL repair and 14 cases underwent MCL reconstruction. Results All the 18 cases were followed up 1-5 years (mean 3 years ). According to Broberg and Morrey scoring system, 4 patients were rated as excellent, 12 as good, 1 as fair, and 1 as poor. The excellent and good rate was 88.9%.Three patients had l ight pain of elbow, 1 patient had moderate pain and the other 14 had no pain. The range of elbow motion was from 110 to 140°(mean 130°). The pronation averaged 75° (35-85°). The supination averaged 80° (65-89°). Compared with normal l imbs, the grip strength decreased by 3% to 28% (mean 15%); the extension strength decreased by 8% to 39% (mean 30%); the flexion strength decreased by 7% to 29% (mean 18%); the pronation strength decreased by 7% to 31% (mean 20%);the supination strength decreased by 15% to 45% (mean 25%). The X-ray films showed that carrying angle increased by 0 to 11°(mean 5° ) under two-newton-meter valgus torque. There were significant differences between injured l imbs and normal l imbs (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The MCL was the primary valgus stabil izer of the elbow. If the radial head replacement could not becarried out, the repair or reconstruction of the medial collateral l igament was effective.
Objective To explore the effect of arthroscopy in diagnosis and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint in adolescent. Methods From May 2003 to February 2006, 11 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of elbowjoint were diagnosed and treated with arthroscopy. There were 6 males and 5 females, aging from 13 to 19 years. The left joints were involved in 4 cases and right joints in 7 cases. Seven patients had obvious history of injury. The interval of injury and operation was from 7 months to 12 years. The score of VAS was 80±10, the range of flexion and extend of joint 80±10°, the range of rotation of joint 100±5° preoperatively. The brachial plexus anesthesia, the elbow hung to traction, soft spot, interna and extrapathway were given to explore and debride elbow joint and remove corpus liberum. Results All patients recovered daily life and work 7 to 12 dayspostoperatively. There were no complications of blood vessel and nerve injuries. Eleven cases were followed up for 6 to 18 months (mean 12-5 months). The results wereexcellent in 7 and good in 4 according to HSS scoring system. At the final followup, the score of VAS was 32±15, showing statistically significant difference when compared with preoperation (Plt;0.05). The range of flexion and extend of joint was 110±10°，the range of rotation of joint was 120±5° postoperatively, showing statistically significant differences when compared with preoperation (Plt;0.05). Conclusion The elbow arthroscopy might be a reliable methodto diagnose and treat osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint in adolescent with minor trauma，quick recovery，significant improving function and less complications.
Objective To evaluate of the valgus stability of the elbow after excision of the radial head, release of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), radial head replacement, and medial collateral ligament reconstruction.Methods Twelve fresh human cadaveric elbows were dissected to establish 7 kinds of specimens with elbow joint and ligaments as follow:①intact(n=12)； ②release of the medial collateral ligament(n=6)；③ excision of the radial head(n=6)；④excision of the radial head together with release of the medial collateral ligament(n=12)；⑤radial head replacement(n=6)；⑥medial collateral ligament reconstruction(n=6)；⑦radial head replacement together with medial collateral ligament reconstruction(n=12). Under two-newton-meter valgus torque, and at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 degrees of flexion with the forearm in supination, the valgus elbow laxity was quantified: All analysis was performed with SPSS 10.0 software.Results The least valgus laxity was seen in the intact state and its stability was the best. The laxity increased after resection of the radial head. The laxity was more after release of the medial collateral ligament than after resection of the radial head (Plt;0.01). The greatest laxity was observed after release of the medial collateral ligament together with resection of the radial head, so its stability was the worst. The laxity of the following implant of the radial head decreased. The laxity of the medial collateral ligament reconstruction was as much as that of the intact ligament (Pgt;0.05). The laxity of the radial head replacement together with medial collateral ligament reconstruction became less.Conclusion The results of this studyshow that the medial collateral ligament is the primary valgus stabilizer of the elbow and the radial head was a secondary constraint to resist valgus laxity.Both the medial collateral ligament reconstruction and the radial head replacement can restore the stability of elbow. If the radial head replacement can notbe carried out, the reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament is acceptable.