ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of transosseous tunnel fixation and drilling fixation for repair of lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) in treatment of terrible triad of elbow (TTE).MethodsA clinical data of 50 patients with TTE between June 2012 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The LCLC was repaired with transosseous tunnel fixation in 22 patients (transosseous tunnel fixation group) and with drilling fixation in 28 patients (drilling fixation group). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, fracture side, time from injury to admission, coronoid process fracture classification, radial head fracture classification, and TTE classification. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications of the two groups were recorded. At last follow-up, the Mayo elbow performance system (MEPS) score, range of motion of elbow joint, and Broberg-Morrey classification were recorded.ResultsThe operation of two groups were successfully completed. There was no significant difference in the operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two group (P>0.05). The follow-up time was (24.43±6.84) months in the transosseous tunnel fixation group and (21.55±6.16) months in the drilling fixation group, and the difference was not significant (t=1.534, P=0.132). X-ray films showed that the coronoid process and radial head fractures in the two groups healed, and there was no significant difference in the healing time (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the flexion-extension activity, rotation activity, MEPS score, and Broberg-Morrey grading (P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no re-dislocation or instability of the elbow joint. The incidence of complication was 28.57% (8/28) in the transosseous tunnel fixation group and 27.27% (6/22) in the drilling fixation group, showing no significant difference (χ2=2.403, P=0.121).ConclusionBoth transosseous tunnel fixation and drilling fixation can achieve good results in repair of LCLC for TTE.
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.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of peri-elbow bone infection. Methods The clinical data of 19 patients with peri-elbow bone infection treated with limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator between May 2018 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 4 females with an average age of 44.6 years (range, 28-61 years). There were 13 cases of distal humerus fractures and 6 cases of proximal ulna fractures. All the 19 cases were infected after internal fixation of fracture, and 2 cases were complicated with radial nerve injury. According to Cierny-Mader anatomical classification, 11 cases were type Ⅱ, 6 cases were type Ⅲ, and 2 cases were type Ⅳ. The duration of bone infection was 1-3 years. After primary debridement, the bone defect was (3.04±0.28) cm, and the antibiotic bone cement was implanted into the defect area, and the external fixator was installed; 3 cases were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and 2 cases were repaired with lateral brachial fascial flap. Bone defects repair and reconstruction were performed after 6-8 weeks of infection control. The wound healing was observed, and white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reaction protein (CRP) were reexamined regularly after operation to evaluate the infection control. X-ray films of the affected limb were taken regularly after operation to observe the bone healing in the defect area. At last follow-up, the flexion and extension range of motion and the total range of motion of the elbow joint were observed and recorded, and compared with those before operation, and the function of the elbow joint was evaluated by Mayo score. Results All patients were followed up 12-34 months (mean, 26.2 months). The wounds healed in 5 cases after skin flap repair. Two cases of recurrent infection were effectively controlled by debridement again and replacement of antibiotic bone cement. The infection control rate was 89.47% (17/19) in the first stage. Two patients with radial nerve injury had poor muscle strength of the affected limb, and the muscle strength of the affected limb recovered from grade Ⅲ to about grade Ⅳ after rehabilitation exercise. During the follow-up period, there was no complication such as incision ulceration, exudation, bone nonunion, infection recurrence, or infection in the bone harvesting area. Bone healing time ranged from 16 to 37 weeks, with an average of 24.2 weeks. WBC, ESR, CRP, PCT, and elbow flexion, extension, and total range of motions significantly improved at last follow-up (P<0.05). According to Mayo elbow scoring system, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 89.47%. ConclusionLimited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of the peri-elbow bone infection can effectively control infection and restore the function of the elbow joint.
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 investigate the effect of anteromedial coronoid facet fracture and lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) injury on the posteromedial rotational stability of the elbow joint. Methods The double elbows were obtained from 4 fresh adult male cadaveric specimens. Complete elbow joint (group A,n=8), simple LCLC injury (group B,n=4), simple anteromedial coronoid facet fracture (group C,n=4), and LCLC injury combined with anteromedial coronoid facet fracture (group D,n=8). The torque value was calculated according to the load-displacement curve. Results There was no complete dislocation of the elbow during the experiment. The torque values of groups A, B, C, and D were (10.286±0.166), (5.775±0.124), (6.566±0.139), and (3.004±0.063) N·m respectively, showing significant differences between groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Simple LCLC injury, simple anteromedial coronoid facet fracture, and combined both injury will affect the posteromedial rotational stability of the elbow.
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.