口服和静脉注射氨甲环酸对于腰椎椎管减压融合术的围手术期失血量影响

目的：探讨氨甲环酸（tranexamic acid,TXA）不同给药方式对腰椎椎管减压融合术围手术期失血量、隐性出血量、输血率,以及不良反应等各方面的影响。方法：对2019年7月至2020年7月接受腰椎椎管减压融合术的60例患者进行回顾性分析,根据TXA不同给药方式分为观察组和对照组,每组30例。观察组术前2 h口服2 g TXA;对照组在切皮前5~10 min予以1 g TXA静脉输注,术后6 h予以1 g TXA静脉输注1次。分别记录两组患者术中出血量、术后引流量、总失血量、隐性失血量、引流管拔除时间、输血率、静脉血栓形成率、不良事件发生率,观察术前和术后1、3 d血红蛋白（hemoglobin,Hb）,红细胞比容（hematocrit,HCT）的变化情况。结果：术后1、3 d的Hb及HCT均较术前有明显改善（P<0.01）,但组间比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组术中出血量、术后引流量、总失血量、术中失血量、隐性失血量、拔管时间、输血率比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组患者均未见静脉血栓形成和不良事件发生。结论：在腰椎椎管减压融合术围手术期口服TXA与静脉注射TXA在减少围手术期失血量的效果是相当的,且是安全可靠的,从节约医疗成本和使用便利性方面建议口服TXA。     

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸矫形术后多次口服与静脉应用氨甲环酸对于降低术后失血量及输血率的回顾性研究

目的 评估术后多次应用氨甲环酸能否有效降低青少年特发性脊柱侧凸（adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS）病人术后的失血量以及输血率,以及口服和静脉给药是否具有等效性。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2021年1月于我院行矫形手术的AIS病人的临床资料,筛选出术中采取同一给药方案给予氨甲环酸的病人：切皮前静脉滴注50 mg/kg氨甲环酸并以10 mg/kg/h持续滴注至手术结束。根据不同的术后给药方案将其分为口服组（于术后4、10、16 h口服1 g氨甲环酸）,静脉组（于术后6、12、18 h静滴0.5 g氨甲环酸）以及对照组（术后不给予氨甲环酸）。共有214例病人符合纳入标准。为提高组间可比性,本研究按口服组人数配平每组样本量,最终每组各纳入50例病人。记录并比较三组病人的术后失血量、输血率、引流量、凝血指标以及并发症等。结果 口服组、静脉组的术后失血量［（961.2±311.2） mL、（974.5±392.1） mL］和输血率（12%、14%）均显著低于对照组［（1 451.2±408.1） mL、36%］,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。此外,口服组、静脉组的术后引流量、最大血红蛋白丢失值显著低于对照组,血红蛋白最低值显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但口服组和静脉组间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。三组病人术前、术后第1~3天的凝血指标比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,且所有病人均未发生静脉血栓、肝肾功能异常等药物相关并发症。结论 术后多次给予氨甲环酸可以有效降低矫形术后失血量及输血率,口服给药与静脉给药具有等效性。     

氨甲环酸不同用药途径对女性股骨颈骨折全髋关节置换术失血的疗效分析

目的：研究氨甲环酸不同应用方式治疗老年女性股骨颈骨折行全髋关节置换术围手术期失血的疗效。方法：将2015年12月至2018年1月老年女性股骨颈骨折行全髋关节置换术患者77例分成4组：A组（静脉用药组）21例,年龄（77.10±7.02）岁,于手术切皮前5 min使用15 mg/kg氨甲环酸静脉滴注并且术中生理盐水灌注关节腔;B组（局部用药组）18例,年龄（73.83±6.56）岁,于手术切皮前5 min生理盐水静脉滴注并且术中使用总剂量为3 g的氨甲环酸灌注关节腔;C组（联合用药组）19例,年龄（74.26±6.04）岁,术前使用15 mg/kg氨甲环酸静滴并且术中使用总剂量为1.5 g的氨甲环酸灌注关节腔;D组（对照研究组）19例,年龄（76.69±9.27）岁,于手术切皮前5 min生理盐水静脉滴注并且术中生理盐水灌注关节腔。记录术后伤口引流量、血红蛋白变化,根据身高体重和手术前后的红细胞压积（HCT）计算所有患者的总失血量等。结果：A组术后引流量为（111.91±35.02） ml,血红蛋白改变量为（26.86±12.99） g/L,总失血量为（628.6±306.78） ml;B组术后引流量为（108.89±36.61） ml,血红蛋白改变量为（26.28±8.59） g/L,总失血量为（584.41±250.86） ml;C组术后引流量为（102.63±47.36） ml,血红蛋白改变量为（26.89±12.47） g/L,总失血量为（634.78±384.89） ml;D组术后引流量为（107.37±40.53） ml,血红蛋白改变量为（40.95±12.48） g/L,总失血量为（1 005.24±483.37） ml。4组术后引流量比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;A、B、C组术后血红蛋白改变量、总失血量少于对照组D组（P<0.05）,但是3组组间比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：应用氨甲环酸能有效减少老年女性股骨颈骨折行全髋关节置换术围手术期失血,但是最佳给药方式及给药剂量需要进一步的研究。     

单侧TKA术中氨甲环酸灌注关节腔对术后出血影响及安全评估

目的 探讨单侧TKA手术中氨甲环酸灌注关节腔对术后出血影响及安全评估。方法 分析我院2014年6月至2016年6月中因膝关节炎行膝关节置换手术的60名患者,在手术过程中使用氨甲环酸灌注关节腔的手术30例,没有使用氨甲环酸注射关节腔的手术30例,分为观察组与对照组两组：观察组,在关闭关节腔后经引流管注射溶有1g氨甲环酸的生理盐水20mL;对照组,关闭关节腔后经引流管灌注20mL生理盐水。手术后闭合引流4h,比较手术后两组患者24h引流量、隐性失血量、总失血量,同时评估手术后两组患者是否出现下肢深静脉血栓。结果 手术后观察组24h引流量、总失血量及隐性失血量均显著少于对照组患者,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）,两组患者术后均没有发现下肢静脉血栓发生。结论 单侧膝关节置换术后关节腔注射氨甲环酸能减少出血,可能不会增加深静脉血栓风险。     

单侧THA术后局部应用氨甲环酸与引流管夹闭2h的止血效果分析

目的探讨单侧THA术后局部应用氨甲环酸与引流管夹闭2 h的止血效果。方法选取自2011-07—2014-12初次行单侧THA的80例股骨头无菌性坏死,采用随机表法分为2组,各40例。试验组在切口缝合完毕后将氨甲环酸氯化钠药液经引流管逆行注入关节腔内,夹管2 h后松开引流管;对照组注入生理盐水后引流管夹闭2 h。结果试验组8例术中输血,对照组21例术中输血;试验组输血例数少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(χ2=0.002,P=0.043)。2组术中出血量及术后Pt、APtt、INR差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。试验组总失血量、术后引流量、隐性失血量、血红蛋白差值均少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论氨甲环酸局部应用与引流管夹闭2 h可显著降低THA术后失血量,并未增加静脉血栓形成风险,安全有效。     

微创膝关节单髁置换术后关节腔内注射氨甲环酸止血效果分析

目的：探讨关节腔内注射氨甲环酸对微创膝关节单髁置换术后出血量和输血率的影响。方法：自2015年1月至2017年9月收治90例行微创膝关节单髁置换术患者,分为氨甲环酸组和对照组,每组45例。氨甲环酸组男22例,女23例,年龄62~69（66.1±2.4）岁;对照组男20例,女25例,年龄63~71（68.5±5.2）岁。记录术后48 h引流球中的出血量、围手术期输血率和血细胞比容水平。影响围手术期出血量的因素包括性别、年龄和体重指数（body mass index,BMI）。结果：所有患者获得随访,时间12.5~28.3（22.8±7.9）个月。随访中,两组患者伤口均愈合良好,均未发生深静脉血栓形成和肺栓塞。氨甲环酸组患者术后出血量与对照组比较差异无统计学意义,氨甲环酸组术后引流球中出血量为（110.0±52.1）ml,对照组为（123.0±64.5）ml,两组差异无统计学意义（P=0.39）。两组患者围手术期都未输血。。结论：关节腔内注射氨甲环酸不能显著减少微创单髁置换患者术后的出血量。     

氨甲环酸结合术后引流管临时夹闭降低单侧全膝置换术后失血量的有效性及安全性

 目的 评估单次静脉应用氨甲环酸结合术后引流管临时夹闭降低单侧全膝关节置换（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）术后失血量的有效性与安全性。方法 2012年7月至2013年6月,前瞻性选择行初次单侧全膝关节置换患者,随机分为氨甲环酸组（松止血带前15 min静脉注入15 mg/kg 氨甲环酸）和安慰剂组（松止血带前15 min给予等量生理盐水）;两组术后均予引流管临时夹闭4 h。记录两组术后12 h引流量、总引流量、输血量、输血人数、术后第1、3、5天血红蛋白值、红细胞压积、术后下肢淤斑发生率、术后24 h D-二聚体值、术后并发症及术后5～7 d下肢静脉超声筛查有无深静脉血栓（DVT）,并对两组进行比较。结果 最终77例患者进入统计学分析。氨甲环酸组39例,安慰剂组38例;两组的人口学资料均匹配。术后12 h引流量为（142.6±202.1） ml（氨甲环酸组）和（257.4±245.3） ml（安慰剂组）、术后隐性失血量为（685.4±40.3） ml （氨甲环酸组）和（834.3±200.0） ml （安慰剂组）、总失血量为（962.2±286.2） ml （氨甲环酸组）和（1 168.4±455.4） ml （安慰剂组）、术后第3天血红蛋白值为（104.0±12.7） g/L（氨甲环酸组）和（96.0±13.4） g/L（安慰剂组）、术后24 h D-二聚体值为（11.8±1.5) mg/L（氨甲环酸组）和（22.1±3.4） mg/L（安慰剂组）,以上指标两组比较差异均有统计学意义。术后下肢淤斑发生率氨甲环酸组（2.6%,1/39）低于安慰剂组（18.4%,7/38）。术后总引流量、围手术期输血率两组比较差异无统计学意义;氨甲环酸组远端深静脉血栓发生率为10.3%（4/39）,安慰剂为7.9%（3/38）,两组比较差异无统计学意义;氨甲环酸组术后第7天出现1例症状性肺栓塞。结论 TKA术后松止血带前15 min按15 mg/kg单次静脉注入氨甲环酸并结合术后临时夹闭引流管4 h,可有效、安全控制术后失血量。     

跟骨骨折手术治疗中局部联合静脉应用氨甲环酸的疗效观察

目的 探讨跟骨骨折手术治疗过程中局部联合静脉应用氨甲环酸（Tranexamic acid, TXA）的疗效及安全性。方法 将2018年12月至2019年11月西安交通大学医学院附属红会医院收治的38例跟骨骨折病人（均为单侧）按照就诊顺序分成观察组和对照组,观察组20例,对照组18例。观察组病人手术开始后静脉点滴TXA（15 ml/kg）,并在松止血带前5~10 min局部灌注TXA（15 ml/kg）;对照组病人在手术开始后以及松止血带前5~10 min分别通过静脉点滴、局部灌注的方式应用生理盐水（15 ml/kg）。记录并比较两组病人的术中失血量、术后失血量、术后48 h引流量、术前术后纤维蛋白降解产物（fibrin degradation products, FDP）、血红蛋白（Hb）、D-二聚体（D-dimer）、围手术期静脉血栓性疾病以及术后伤口并发症情况。结果 38例病人中37例病人术后伤口一期愈合。观察组病人术中失血量、术后失血量、术后第1天Hb、术后48 h引流量、术后24 h D-dimer、术后24 h FDP、术后72 h FDP分别为［（79.50±12.98） ml、（202.65±36.75） ml、（111.45±10.52） g/L、（189.90±15.43） ml、（4.25±1.85） mg/L、（3.31±1.09） mg/L、（3.11±1.03） mg/L］,对照组为［（93.72±10.72） ml、（313.50±54.59） ml、（104.05±11.07） g/L、（252.28±32.67）ml、（6.01±2.59） mg/L、（4.65±1.87） mg/L、（4.22±1.71） mg/L］;观察组术后伤口红肿渗出1例,对照组6例,以上指标两组比较,观察组均优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。两组病人术后下肢深静脉血栓形成率以及术后伤口皮缘坏死情况比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 对于跟骨骨折手术治疗的病人,局部联合静脉应用TXA可以减少围手术期失血、术后引流量,降低术后伤口并发症的发生率且不会增加发生血栓性疾病的风险。     

复杂胫骨平台骨折术后多次静脉应用氨甲环酸的有效性及安全性

目的 探讨复杂胫骨平台骨折（Schatzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ）术后多次静脉应用氨甲环酸（Tranexamic acid, TXA）抑制纤溶及减少失血的安全性及有效性。方法 将2018年3月至2019年1月西安交通大学医学院附属红会医院骨科收治拟行手术,且符合本研究纳入与排除标准的70例复杂胫骨平台骨折病人,按照就诊顺序分为两组,每组各35例。对照组：松止血带前5~10 min静脉点滴TXA（15 mg/kg）;观察组：松止血带前5~10 min静脉点滴TXA（15 mg/kg）,术后3 h、6 h后各再次静脉追加1 g TXA。记录并比较两组病人的总失血量、隐性失血量、输血率、48 h引流量、纤溶水平、静脉血栓性疾病、术后伤口并发症等情况。结果 两组病人均无输血者。对照组总失血量为（792.86±202.86） ml,观察组为（692.29±124.90） ml;对照组隐性失血量为（318.01±83.41） ml,观察组为（266.29±60.98） ml;对照组术后48 h引流量为（277.14±129.24） ml,观察组为（207.14±124.35） ml;对照组术后24 h D-二聚体值为（5.16±4.23） mg/L,观察组为（3.98±1.42） mg/L;对照组术后24 h纤维蛋白降解产物为（4.38±3.41） mg/L,观察组为（3.98±1.11） mg/L;对照组术后伤口红肿渗出率1例（3.70%）,观察组未发生术后伤口红肿渗出;以上指标两组间比较,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。两组间术后下肢静脉血栓、肺栓塞及其他伤口并发症发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 对于Schatzker Ⅴ、Ⅵ复杂胫骨平台骨折,术后3 h、6 h静脉追加1 g TXA,可以进一步抑制术后机体纤溶亢进,降低术后的总失血量、隐性失血量、48 h引流量,减少术后血红蛋白丢失,且不增加血栓性疾病发生风险。同时,TXA有一定的抗炎作用,能减少术后伤口红肿渗出的发生。     

直接前入路全髋关节置换术应用氨甲环酸的有效性及安全性

目的：评估局部应用氨甲环酸（tranexamic acid,TXA）降低直接前入路（direct anterior approach,DAA）全髋关节置换术围手术期失血量的有效性和安全性。方法：自2013年7月至2018年9月,采用直接前入路初次全髋关节置换治疗的46例股骨头坏死患者,分为氨甲环酸组和生理盐水组,各23例。其中,氨甲环酸组中男14例,女9例,年龄52~72（63.70±5.34）岁,采用氨甲环酸3 g稀释于50 ml生理盐水中,在假体置换完毕后关节腔浸泡3 min;生理盐水组中男13例,女10例,年龄55~73（61.26±5.78）岁,采用等量生理盐水,相同方法关节腔浸泡。比较两组患者的失血量、血红蛋白值、输血例数、术后首次下地时间、血栓以及切口不良事件的发生率,术后1、3个月采用Harris评分评价髋关节功能。结果：术后患者切口愈合良好,两组无明显并发症发生。46例患者获随访,时间12~59个月,平均31.11个月。随访患者无髋部疼痛,髋关节功能有效改善,均未出现假体松动。术后氨甲环酸组和生理盐水组围手术期总失血量分别为（740.09±77.14）、（1 069.07±113.53）ml,术后24 h引流量为（87.61±9.28）、（233.83±25.62）ml,隐性失血量为（409.65±38.01）、（588.33±57.16）ml,手术前后血红蛋白差值为（24.78±2.19）、（33.57±2.95）g/L,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。两组术中失血量、深静脉血栓及肺栓塞的发生率、术后髋关节Harris评分比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。。结论：直接前入路全髋关节置换术中局部应用氨甲环酸可安全、有效地减少围手术期失血量,且不增加血栓形成的风险,不影响关节功能正常恢复。     

Effect of elbow position on radiographic measurements of radio-capitellar alignment

AIM:To evaluate the effect of different elbow and forearm positions on radiocapitellar alignment.METHODS:Fifty-one healthy volunteers were recruited and bilateral elbow radiographs were taken to form a radiologic database.Lateral elbow radiographs were taken with the elbow in five different positions:Maximal extension and forearm in neutral,maximal flexion and forearm in neutral,elbow at 90° and forearm in neutral,elbow at 90° and forearm in supination and elbow at 90° and forearm in pronation.A goniometer was used to verify the accuracy of the elbow's position for the radiographs at a 90° angle.The radiocapitellar ratio(RCR)measurements were then taken on the collected radiographs using the Slice Omatic software.An orthopedic resident performed the radiographic measurements on the 102 elbows,for a total of 510 lateral elbow radiographic measures.ANOVA paired t-tests and Pearson coefficients were used to assess the differences and correlations between the RCR in each position.RESULTS:Mean RCR values were-2% ± 7%(maximal extension),-5% ± 9%(maximal flexion),and for elbow at 90° and forearm in neutral-2% ± 5%,supination 1% ± 6% and pronation 1% ± 5%.ANOVA analyses demonstrated significant differences between the RCRin different elbow and forearm positions.Paired t-tests confirmed significant differences between the RCR at maximal flexion and flexion at 90°,and maximal extension and flexion.The Pearson coefficient showed significant correlations between the RCR with the elbow at 90°-maximal flexion;the forearm in neutralsupination;the forearm in neutral-pronation.CONCLUSION:Overall,95% of the RCR values are included in the normal range(obtained at 90° of flexion)and a value outside this range,in any position,should raise suspicion for instability.     

(iii) Elbow instability, mechanism and management

Acute dislocations of the elbow without significant fracture are classified as simple. In all cases the medial and lateral ligaments are avulsed, usually as an osteo-periosteal sleeve. The majority are stable on reduction and immediate active mobilisation is encouraged. The incidence of recurrent dislocation and instability is very low. Acute dislocations associated with significant fractures are classified as complex. The most common associated fractures are of the radial head or coronoid process, and if both fractures are present this is termed the “terrible triad”. The principle of management is reduction of the joint, anatomical fixation of the fracture fragments, with repair or reconstruction of ligaments if indicated. If the elbow remains unstable, or if fracture or fixation or ligament repair is tenuous, then the use of a hinged external fixator is recommended.The most common type of chronic instability is postero-lateral rotatory instability, which is related primarily to incompetence of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament. Conservative treatment is rarely successful and most require a reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament with a graft. Medial instability is predominantly seen in throwing athletes with chronic stretch of the medial ligament that interferes with throwing capacity. If conservative management fails then the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament can be reconstructed with a tendon graft.     

倒“V”复合截骨术治疗成人肘关节内翻畸形疗效分析

背景:肘关节内外翻畸形是肱骨髁上骨折的常见并发症,发生率为10%~50%。肘关节畸形可导致肘关节不稳定、尺神经麻痹可能,需要手术矫正。目的:探讨倒“V”复合截骨术治疗成人肘关节内翻畸形的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2015年4月至2018年9月收治的肘关节内翻畸形患者27例。肱骨髁上骨折不愈合4例,无法追溯骨折类型23例。利用倒“V”复合截骨术矫正肘关节畸形。分析矫正前后肘关节畸形角度、活动度改变情况,以改良Mayo评分评估患者术后肘关节功能。结果:所有患者均得到随访,随访时间6~28个月,平均(16.9±7.2)个月,平均愈合时间(4.1±0.6)个月。术前肱-肘-腕角为(-19.8±4.3)°,术后为(5.9±3.6)°,两者差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),矫正角度15°~35°,平均(25.7±5.2)°。所有患者无切口愈合不良、骨不连、内固定松动断裂,所有患者均达到骨性愈合,未出现矫正丢失情况,4例患者矫正术后存在直肘情况;所有患者在术后康复锻炼过程中可达到术前的肘关节活动度,术后3个月肘关节活动度与术前无明显差异。术后3个月改良Mayo肘关节评分为(91.7±4.9)分,其中优20例,良5例,可2例,总优良率92.6%(25/27)。结论:倒“V”复合截骨术治疗肘关节内翻畸形切实可靠,矫正效果良好,有利于患者肘关节活动度及功能恢复,在治疗肘关节内翻畸形上有一定疗效,但存在截骨术前设计方案与实际操作不安全匹配的缺点。     

Arthrodesis of the elbow

Elbow arthrodesis (EA) is a procedure reserved for the salvage of failed elbow reconstruction or elbow injuries that defy reconstruction of a useful joint. Although arthrodesis of some joints is often straightforward and predictable, EA is technically difficult and associated with a high rate of complications. Furthermore, a successful EA does not translate to a gratifying clinical success. The functional limitations to activities of daily living and personal care are significant.     

Elbow arthroscopy - Indications and technique

Throughout the years, elbow arthroscopy has advanced tremendously due to improvements in technology and surgical techniques. It is now considered a safe and effective treatment for a variety of elbow disorders. Due to the small working space and nearby neurovascular structures, it is a technically challenging procedure. It can be used to successfully treat complaints caused by loose bodies, osteoarthritis, arthrofibrosis, OCD, lateral epicondylitis, VEOS and fractures. The most devastating complication of elbow arthroscopy is (permanent) nerve injury. Therefore, distortion of the anatomy of the elbow joint and transposition of the ulnar nerve can be a contra-indication for elbow arthroscopy due to the higher risk of postoperative complications. The results of the arthroscopy depend on the experience, knowledge, technique and expertise of the performing surgeon.     

Dislocations of the elbow – An instructional review

Dislocations of the elbow require recognition of the injury pattern followed by adequate treatment to allow early mobilisation. Not every injury requires surgery but if surgery is undertaken all structures providing stability should be addressed, including fractures, medial and lateral ligament insertion and the radial head. The current concepts of biomechanical modelling are addressed and surgical implications discussed.     

Radial head replacement with a pyrocarbon head prosthesis: preliminary results of a multicentric prospective study

The authors present the preliminary results of a multicentric prospective study of 30 cases treated by a new radial head prosthesis (MoPyc). This new modular radial head prosthesis is composed of a cementless titanium stem and a 15° angulated neck. The head is in pyrocarbon and enables an optimal couple of friction between the implant and cartilage. This multicentric prospective study includes 30 patients (19 men and 11 women, mean age 50 years). The mean follow-up was 18 months (6–29 months). The main etiology was a radial head fracture with elbow instability. The post-operative evaluation was clinical and included the Broberg–Morrey score and the Mayo Clinic Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The radiological evaluation included the stability of the elbow, the fixation of the prosthesis and the interface between the pyrocarbon head and the humeral condyl and the distal radio-ulnar joint. At the time of follow-up, the average Broberg–Morrey score was 88/100, with 77% of good and excellent results. The average MEPS was 95/100, with 97% of good and excellent results. Elbow flexion averaged 122°, extension −15°, pronation 74° and supination 72°. Elbow stability was good in all the cases, and no proximal migration of the radius occurred. Asymptomatic bone lucencies were found in five cases (three stress shieldings, under the neck of the prosthesis, two around the stem). Complications included two cases of proximal radio-ulnar synostosis and one under stuffing of the prosthesis (which was re-operated shortly after the first implantation) with a good final result. One case demonstrated a tendency to posterior subluxation during heavy work. The preliminary results of 30 patients treated by this radial head prosthesis with a pyrocarbon head are encouraging at a follow-up of 18 months. The shape and the modularity of this prosthesis provide a good stability and function of the elbow and allow an easy implantation regardless of the level of resection. The contact between the articular surfaces and the pyrocarbon head should ensure the durability of this arthroplasty. However, a longer follow-up is required.

The outcome of open elbow arthrolysis: comparison of four different approaches based on one hundred cases

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of elbow arthrolysis according to the surgical approach, durability after arthrolysis and the severity of contracture.

Methods

The study includes a cohort of 100 consecutive patients treated in our institution between 1986 and 2008. The indication for surgery was loss of mobility. This was the result of fractures, dislocation, simultaneous fracture/dislocation or other non-traumatic causes. All patients underwent open elbow release via one of four approaches (42 lateral, 44 medial, six combined medial-lateral and eight posterior). They were clinically evaluated at a minimum of 24 months after arthrolysis.

Results

The average ranges of elbow extension, flexion and arc of motion had increased significantly at the follow up, respectively, by 20°, 16° and 36°. No significant difference was found with regard to surgical approach. However, we noticed significant deterioration of intra-operative average extension and arc of motion (AOM) over the follow up period, respectively, by 13° and 14°. The number of patients with AOM of 100° or more increased from three patients preoperatively to 28 postoperatively.

Conclusions

Open elbow arthrolysis is a successful method of treatment of elbow contracture. Results are durable, but there is some postoperative deterioration of extension gained during surgery. We may anticipate that at the final stage we shall obtain an average of 86 % of intra-operative arc of motion. Patients with the most severe contractures have the best gains.     

Advanced elbow arthroscopy: Tips and tricks

Elbow arthroscopy can be a challenge, however, indications and benefits compared to open elbow surgery are rapidly evolving. The elbow has seemed to lag behind other joints including the knee, shoulder, ankle and the hip, both in number of cases and in widespread acceptance, as a joint amenable to arthroscopic management. This has occurred despite literature demonstrating successful utilization of arthroscopy in the management of a variety of injuries. The purpose of this review is to clarify and expand the indications for arthroscopy of the elbow in 2021. We will also offer tips and tricks to help make elbow arthroscopy more successful. Since originally publishing these guidelines in 2007, elbow arthroscopy has evolved, although the principles and progressions remain the same.     

Primary total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures of the distal humerus

AIM: To evaluate short- to medium term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in complex fractures of the distal humerus.METHODS: A consecutive series of 24 complex distal humerus fractures operated with TEA in the period 2006-2012 was evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS), plain radiographs, complications and overall satisfaction. The indications for surgery were 1: AO type B3 or C3 or Sheffield type 3 fracture and age above 65 or 2: fracture and severe rheumatoid arthritis. Mean follow-up time was 21 mo.RESULTS: Twenty patients were followed up. Four patients, of which 3 had died, were lost to follow up. According to the AO classification there were 17 C3, 1 B2 and 2 A2 fractures. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range 4-54). Mean MEPS was 94 (range 65-100). Mean flexion was 114 degrees (range 80-140). According to MEPS there were 15 excellent, 4 good and 1 fair result. Patient satisfaction: 8 excellent, 10 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. There were two revisions due to infection treated successfully with revision and three months of antibiotics. In two patients the locking split had loosened. One was referred to re-insertion and one chose yearly controls. Two patients had persistent dysaesthesia of their 5th finger, but were able to discriminate between sharp and blunt.CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that TEA in complex fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients can result in acceptable short- to medium term outcome.