Summary

In contrast to the current literature, myofibroblasts are not present in chronic posttraumatic elbow contractures.

However, myofibroblasts are present in the acute phase after an elbow fracture and/or dislocation. This suggests a physiological role in normal capsule healing and a potential role in the early phase of posttraumatic contracture formation.

In the past, the treatment of acute elbow fracture-dislocations has emphasized repair to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), with favorable results. We report improved results using a strategy based on lateral-sided repair (lateral collateral ligament, radial head, coronoid) without MCL repair. In forty-seven patients, this strategy resulted in a high degree of success with no residual instability (valgus or otherwise). The dynamic stabilizers of the elbow activated through early postoperative motion, are important adjunct to stability. We have devised a reproducible radiographic method to demonstrate this.

To review the surgical treatment of elbow dislocations without surgical MCL repair, and to determine if early active motion aids in restoring stability and concentric joint reduction.

In the setting of acute fracture-dislocation of the elbow, concentric elbow stability with excellent functional results can be achieved using laterally-based surgical strategy without MCL repair. The dynamic stabilizers of the elbow, activated through the early motion, assist in providing joint congruity and stability.

Forty-seven patients with acute elbow fracture-dislocations requiring operative treatment were treated at two university-affiliated teaching hospitals and evaluated an average of twenty-one months after injury. The protocol consisted of repair of the ulna and coronoid, repair or replacement of the radial head, and repair of the LCL, and early motion. The MCL was not routinely repaired. The LCL origin had been avulsed and reattached in all patients. One patient had a second procedure related to malpositioned radial head prosthesis. A stable mobile (average one hundred and one degree arc) articulation was restored in all patients. There was no evidence of valgus instability in any patient. Early motion was initiated at a mean of two weeks postoperatively. Postoperative ulnohumeral joint space opening improved from 4.9 ± 1.2 mm in the early postoperative period to 2.0 ± 0.5 mm (p < 0.00003) at final follow-up. We believe this is due to the effect of the dynamic stabilizers, which were allowed to function through early motion.

Purpose: Post-traumatic instability of the elbow is defined as a subluxation of the humeroulnar joint at least three weeks after trauma. Treatment is based on restitution of the three elements essential for stability: the coronoid process, the height of the head of the radius, repair of the lateral ligaments. The purpose of this study was to analyse treatment modalities for these unstable elbows and assess mid-term results.

Material and methods: This consecutive series included all patients who underwent surgery between 1992 and 2000. There were 22 patients (twelve men and ten women, mean age, 46 years, age range 26–74 years). The left elbow was involved in 16 cases (two dominant) and the right elbow in six cases (six dominant). The initial trauma was isolated dislocation in six patients, dislocation with fracture of the coronoid process and the head of the radius in nine, trans-olecranon fracture-dislocation in seven. Mean time from trauma to revision for instability was four months. A dynamic external fixator was used for stabilisation in all cases, with or without restoration of the height of the radius with a radial head prosthesis (n=12), and reconstruction of the coronoid process (n=7). Reinsertion of the lateral ligaments was necessary in 17 patients.

Results: Mean follow-up was 33 months. Six patients required a second procedure for transposition of the ulnar nerve in three and arthrolysis of the elbow joint in three. There was one failure requiring total elbow arthroplasty less than one year after revision. At last follow-up, outcome according to the Mayo Clinic classification was excellent in ten patients, good in five, fair in one, and poor in five (four trans-olecranon fracture-dislocations). Twenty patients had a stable elbow. Mean flexion-extension was 113° with a 19° mean extension deficit. At last follow-up, six patients had radiographic signs of osteoarthritis.

Discussion and conclusion: The results were directly correlated with the nature of the initial trauma and the quality of the restoration of he stabilising elements. The poorest results were observed after trans-olecranon fracture-dislocation, which led to osteoarthritic degradation in three out of four cases. In our experience, treatment of sequelae of elbow dislocation, or the terrible triade, can give satisfactory results with an appropriate treatment strategy.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of the distal radius π-plate in the surgical treatment of acute, dorsally displaced, unstable distal radius fractures.

Material: 37 patients with an average age of 41 yrs included in the study. Upon dorsal exposure of the fracture and provisional reduction with the aid of a distractor and K-wires, a bending template was used to verify plate length and contour. The plate was then applied and the type, number and location of screws and buttress pins to be used were determined. Eight patients had supplementary fixation. Autologus bone graft was used to fill defects in 28 patients.

Results: The average follow up was 21 months. Radiographic evidence of union was documented at an average of 6 weeks postop. No loss of reduction occurred in any of the patients and no patient complained of residual deformity. The average ROM was 79% of the contralateral side, the average grip strength was 64% of the contralateral wrist and the average pinch strength was 76% of the contralateral hand. No infections, nonunions, wound problems or plate failures occurred. 5 patients developed irritation and 4 had their plates removed.

Concussion: The results of this study verify the safety and the efficacy of the π-plate for the treatment of complex fractures of the distal radius. Furthermore considering the technical advantages of the π,-plate it seems that complex distal radius fractures can effectively be addressed through a dorsal approach and stable internal fixation.

Objective: Deformity post distal radius fracture can be associated with alterations in carpal kinematics. This study presents a review to detect the prevalence and clinical implications of such deformities and the variables that influence the outcome following osteotomy.

Material & Methods: 29 patients with distal radius mal-union, and an average age of 43 yrs, were treated by a single surgeon with a corrective osteotomy. Along with pain scales, wrist motion, and grip strength, pre and post osteotomy radiographs were evaluated. Preoperatively, 18 patients had dorsal deformity, 9 volar and 2 shortening and malrotation alone. 20 patients had carpal malalignment and 9 normal carpal alignment.

Results: The average follow up was 21 months. 24 out of 29 radial deformities were corrected to normal. Overall 17 patients had post-op normal carpal alignment. Three groups resulted; Group I: 11 patients with pre and post-op “fixed” deformities. Group II: 8 patients with normal pre and post-op carpal alignment; and Group III: 9 patients with “lax” pre-op malalignment converted to normal post-op. 1 patient was normal pre-op and converted to DISI at post-op. There was no statistically difference in outcome with regard to pain, forearm rotation, wrist extension, patient age or time to surgery between the three groups. There was statistically significant greater wrist flexion in Group II and III compared to Group I.

Conclusions: Carpal malalignement post radius osteotomy will have a negative effect on the functional outcome compared to those patients with preoperative carpal deformity, which corrects with radius osteotomy. Knowledge of this association will help advice patients of expected outcomes.