wenty-one cases with injurys of upper trunk of brachial plexus in 18 and poliomyelitis in 3were treated by transfer of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle to restore flexion of elbow from may, 1981through November, 1992. There were 16 males and 5 females with an average age of 28 years old(ranged 17-60 years). All of the patients was combined with incompetence of abduction function ofshoulder, 6 cases with incompotence of extenxor function of elbow and 11 cases with incompotence ofsupifiation fu...
Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of periosteal autograft in repair of ankylosis of elbow joint. Methods From May 1985 to November 1999, 18 cases of elbow joints ankylosis (6 cases of osteo-ankylosis, 12 cases of fibroankylosis) were treated by repairing articular surface with periosteal autografting. Out of 18 cases, 13 were caused by old dislocation and fracture of elbow joints, 3 by late rheumatoid arthritis, and 2 by old total joint tuberculosis. In this surgical approach, periosteum from upper end of tibia was transplanted into articular surface after correction of the elbow joint from ankylosis deformity, and continuous passive or active movement of the operated joint was adopted with skeletal traction through olecranon of ulna for 4 weeks after operation. All of the cases were followed up for 1-9 years, 5.2 years on average, before clinical evaluation. Results The elbow joints in 11 cases were restored to normal, the joints in 4 cases obtained active movement in the range of 100°-0°, and thejoints in the other 3 cases could only have limited movement because of severe muscular atrophy. Conclusion The articular surface in arthroplasty of elbow joint ankylosis could be effectively repaired by periosteal autograft, and the function of the joints could be obviously improved by continuous movement of the joints after operation with skeletal traction.
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 analyze the effectiveness of binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position for the release of elbow stiffness. Methods The clinical data of 16 patients with elbow stiffness treated with binocular loupe assisted mini-internal and external incisions in lateral position release between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged from 19 to 57 years, with a median age of 33.5 years. Etiologies included olecranon fracture in 6 cases, elbow dislocation in 4 cases, medial epicondyle fracture in 2 cases, radial head fracture in 4 cases, terrible triad of elbow joint in 2 cases, supracondylar fracture of humerus in 1 case, coronoid process fracture of ulna in 1 case, and humerus fracture in 1 case, with 5 cases presenting a combination of two etiologies. The duration of symptoms ranged from 5 to 60 months, with a median of 8 months. Preoperatively, 12 cases had concomitant ulnar nerve numbness, and 6 cases exhibited ectopic ossification. The preoperative range of motion for elbow flexion and extension was (58.63±22.30)°, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4.3±1.6, and the Mayo score was 71.9±7.5. Incision lengths for both lateral and medial approaches were recorded, as well as the occurrence of complications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Mayo scores, VAS scores, and elbow range of motion both preoperatively and postoperatively. Results The lateral incision lengths for all patients ranged from 3.0 to 4.8 cm, with an average of 4.1 cm. The medial incision lengths ranged from 2.4 to 4.2 cm, with an average of 3.0 cm. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 19 months and a mean of 9.2 months. At last follow-up, 1 patient reported moderate elbow joint pain, and 3 cases exhibited residual mild ulnar nerve numbness. The other patients had no complications such as new heterotopic ossification and ulnar nerve paralysis, which hindered the movement of elbow joint. At last follow-up, the elbow range of motion was (130.44±9.75)°, the VAS score was 1.1±1.0, and the Mayo score was 99.1±3.8, which significantly improved when compared to the preoperative ones (t=−12.418, P<0.001; t=6.419, P<0.001; t=−13.330, P<0.001). ConclusionThe binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position integrated the advantages of traditional open and arthroscopic technique, which demonstrated satisfying safety and effectivity for the release of elbow contracture, but it is not indicated for patients with posterior medial heterolateral heterotopic ossification.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness between paratricipital approach and chevron olecranon V osteotomy approach for the treatment of type C3 (AO/OTA) distal humeral fractures and investigate the details of operation.MethodsBetween April 2010 and September 2016, 36 type C3 (AO/OTA) distal humeral fractures were treated with open reduction and bicolumnar orthogonal locking plating fixation by paratricipital approach and chevron olecranon V osteotomy approach respectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups by approach, there were 17 cases in paratricipital group (group A) and the bicolumns and distal humeral joint surface were exposed by traction of triceps and olecranon, and the distal humeral joint surface of the 19 cases in chevron olecranon V osteotomy group (group B) were exposed by osteotomy of the olecranon and reversing of triceps. There was no significant difference in gender, age, dominant side, interval between injury and surgery, causes of injury between 2 groups (P>0.05). Patients were followed up, the postoperative range of motion of elbow joint, strength, pain, and stability in 2 groups were documented and compared; the elbow joint function was evaluated according to Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).ResultsThe operation time of group A [(115.0±10.4) minutes] was less than that of group B [(121.0±12.3) minutes], but there was no significant difference (t=–1.580, P=0.123). All patients in 2 groups got over 1 year follow-up and there was no significant difference of the follow-up time between 2 groups (t=–0.843, P=0.405). There was 1 case of heterotopic ossification in each group; 1 case of incision infection in group A and 1 case of incision superficial infection in group B, and were cured after 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics administration. There was no other operative complications in the 2 groups. At 3 months after operation, all the distal humerus healed. At last follow-up, the elbow flexion extension range of groups A and B were (102.0±12.6)° and (99.5±10.1)° respectively, showing no significant difference (t=–0.681, P=0.501). The MEPS scores of groups A and B were 82.9±7.3 and 81.3±7.2 respectively, showing no significant difference (t=0.670, P=0.507); and the evaluation grade also showed no significant difference between 2 groups (Z=–0.442, P=0.659).ConclusionBy paratricipital approach and proper traction of the olecranon, the distal humeral articular surface can be exposed in the operation of type C3 distal humeral fractures, followed with same stable fixation after reduction, the effectiveness is equal to by chevron olecranon V osteotomy approach.
Objective To summarize the research progress in posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) of the elbow joint. Methods The recent researches about the management of PMRI of the elbow joint from the aspects of pathological anatomy, biomechanics, diagnosis, and therapy were analyzed and summarized. Results The most important factors related to PMRI of the elbow joint are lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) lesion, posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament complex (MCLC) lesion, and anteromedial coronoid fracture. Clinical physical examination include varus and valgus stress test of the elbow joint. X-ray examination, computed tomography, particularly three-dimensional reconstruction, are particularly useful to diagnose the fracture. Also MRI, arthroscopy, and dynamic ultrasound can assistantly evaluate the affiliated injury of the parenchyma. It is important to repair and reconstruct LCLC and MCLC and fix coronoid process fracture for recovering stability of the elbow joint. There are such ways to repair ligament injury as in situ repairation and functional reconstruction, which include direct suturation, borehole repairation, wire anchor repairation, and transplantation repairation etc. The methods for fixation of coronal fracture include screw fixation, plate fixation, unabsorbable suture fixation, and arthroscopy technology. Conclusion It is crucial that recovering the stability of the elbow joint and early functional exercise for the treatment of PMRI. Individual treatment is favorable to protect soft tissue, reduce surgical complications, and improve the functional recovery and the quality of life.
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.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint after trauma. MethodsThe recent domestic and foreign literature concerning heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint after trauma was analysed and summarized. ResultsThe mechanism of heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint after trauma is mainly related to bone morphogenetic protein signal transduction disorder. Now there are many treatments of heterotopic ossification, including non-surgical treatment, prevention, and surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment and prevention mainly aim at patients who have no elbow heterotopic ossification or who have mild limited elbow motion because of elbow heterotopic ossification after trauma, including drug therapy, radiation therapy, Chinese medicine therapy, and rehabilitation treatment. For patients with invalid non-surgical treatment, choosing surgical treatment is a must. Surgical treatment includes surgical resection, arthroscopic resection, and joint replacement, priority should be given first to surgical resection. ConclusionHeterotopic ossification of the elbow joint is common and there is not a recognized standard treatment, comprehensive use of non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment is the future direction.
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.
ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness of open release combined with distal radius fixation hinged external fixation for the treatment of elbow stiffness.MethodsA total of 77 patients with elbow stiffness caused by trauma were enrolled in this study between October 2014 and October 2015. The patients were divided into control group (39 cases) and observation group (38 cases) by random number table method. The patients in the observation group were treated with elbow joint opening and release combined with distal radial fixation hinged external fixation, while the control group was treated with traditional release. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease causes, original damage diagnosis, the time from injury to operation, preoperative flexion and extension activity of elbow joint, and preoperative Mayo elbow joint function score between 2 groups (P>0.05). After operation, the function of elbow joint was evaluated by the flexion and extension activity of the elbow joint and the Mayo elbow joint function evaluation standard.ResultsThe incisions healed by first intention in 2 groups. In observation group, there were 1 case infection of nail tract, 2 cases ulnar nerve symptoms, 1 case elbow ossification, and 1 case moderate pain in the elbow; while in control group, there were 2 cases of infection of nail tract, 2 cases of ulnar nerve symptoms, and 3 cases moderate pain in the elbow. The patients in 2 groups were followed up 6 weeks to 12 months, with an average of 6 months. The flexion and extension activity of elbow joint and Mayo elbow joint function score at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); at last follow-up, the flexion and extension activity of elbow joint and Mayo elbow joint function score in observation group patients were significantly better than those in control group (P<0.05). According to the Mayo elbow function evaluation standard, the results were excellent in 27 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 97.4% in observation group; and the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 21 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.6% in control group; showing no significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.108).ConclusionOpen release combined with distal radius fixation hinged external fixation can significantly improve the elbow function of patients with traumatic elbow stiffness, its recovery of elbow function was superior to the traditional release.