Hinged external fixation for complex fracture-dislocation of the elbow in elderly people

Injury. 2014 Dec:45 Suppl 6:S53-7. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.10.024. Epub 2014 Nov 16.

Abstract

The authors report their experience of treating complex elbow fracture-dislocations in elderly people, using a minimally-invasive approach with a new articulated external fixator that is associated with minimal internal fixation. The clinical results for 19 patients are presented according to outcome factors, such as range of motion, pain and function, rate and type of complications, and reoperation rate. The results indicate that this treatment strategy should be considered as a good alternative to other treatment options reported in the literature, including conservative treatment, ORIF with angular stable plates and total elbow arthroplasty.

Keywords: Complex elbow fracture-dislocation; Elbow fracture in elderly; Hinged external fixator.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Elbow Injuries
  • Elbow Joint / surgery*
  • External Fixators*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation* / instrumentation
  • Fractures, Bone / physiopathology
  • Fractures, Bone / rehabilitation
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / physiopathology
  • Joint Dislocations / rehabilitation
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery*
  • Male
  • Osteoporosis / complications
  • Osteoporosis / physiopathology
  • Osteoporosis / surgery*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Treatment Outcome