Abstract
Introduction. We present the results of the management of irreducible dislocation or fracture / dislocation of the elbow using the “Orthofix” external fixator in cases where the condition of the soft tissues was contraindicated for extensile surgical approaches or the internal fixation would not be stable enough to permit safe joint mobilization postoperatively.
Materials and methods. Twelve (12) patients were treated using elbow external fixation,5 with supracondylar fracture and severe osteoporosis and 7 with fracture / dislocation of the elbow and excessive soft tissue impairment (two of them with open fracture). For the patients with fracture, we performed minimal internal fixation using small incisions and minor soft tissue detachments and then we applied the elbow external fixator for the neutralization of the fixation. This permitted the immediate active assisted joint mobilization postoperatively without interfering with the stability of the joint and of the fixation. The same happened for the patients that their elbow remained unstable after reduction of traumatic dislocation, where the external fixation maintained the reduction of the joint. Prerequisite for the safe mobilization of the joint was the application of the external fixation at the center of rotation of the elbow which is the transepicondylar axis, in order to comply with the biomechanics of the joint.
Results. The fixator was applied for a mean of 10 weeks (6 – 16 weeks). All the fractures united and no instability of the joint was noted. The range of motion was between useful limits with lack of extension less than 30 degrees and flexion more than 130 degrees, pronation 60 degrees and supination 55 degrees (mean values). Pin track infection was presented in 3 patients and the treatment was local care and antibiotics. One patient had radial nerve palsy immediately after the operation, who recovered totally after four months without any treatment.
Conclusions. The external fixation of the elbow provides sufficient stability permitting the immediate mobilization of the joint postoperatively and in combination with the minimal soft tissue damage during the operation prevents the postoperative stiffness. It is a safe alternative solution when the condition of soft tissues around the elbow do not permit a thorough open procedure.
The abstracts were prepared by Mrs Anna Ligocka. Correspondence should be addressed to IX ICL of EFORT Organizing Committee, Department of Orthopaedics, ul. Kopernika 19, 31–501 Krakow, Poland
