肘关节松解术结合带轴外固定支架治疗创伤后肘关节僵硬

目的 探讨应用关节松解术结合带轴外固定支架治疗创伤后外源性肘关节僵硬的临床效果.方法 2006年2月至2008年4月采用肘关节松解术加带轴外固定支架治疗16例创伤后肘关节僵硬患者,男10例,女6例;年龄16-42岁,平均30.5岁.原始损伤:肱骨髁上骨折3例,肱骨髁间骨折4例,尺骨冠状突骨折1例,桡骨小头骨折5例,孟氏骨折3例.受伤至松解手术时间平均为13个月.11例采用肘关节外侧入路,4例采用肘关节内侧入路,1例采用内外侧联合入路进行肘关节松解术,术中保留维持关节稳定的主要韧带,彻底清除影响关节活动的因素,恢复关节活动度.松解完成后以带轴外固定支架固定肘关节,早期进行康复锻炼.结果 16例患者术后获平均16个月(13～27个月)随访.所有患者关节活动度从术前平均34°±26°恢复到术后92°±14°差异有统计学意义(t=4.351,P<0.05).Mayo评分由术前平均(42±11)分增加到术后(84±16)分,其中优3例,良8例,中3例,差2例,优良率68.8%,例(87.5%)患者关节功能得到明显改善.术后未发生感染、肘关节不稳定等并发症.1例患者出现短暂的尺神经麻痹,2个月后症状消失.结论 肘关节松解术结合带轴外固定支架治疗创伤后肘关节僵硬可维持肘关节的稳定性和特有位置,可早期进行功能锻炼,促进肘关节功能的恢复.     

Unilateral hinged external fixator of the elbow in complex elbow injuries

We present the outcome of treating complex injuries of the elbow with the "Orthofix" external fixator in patients where the condition of the soft tissues did not permit extensile surgical approach or where the internal fixation would not be stable enough to permit safe early joint mobilization postoperatively. Eight patients were treated, three with supra-intercondylar fracture in the presence of marked osteoporosis and five with fracture-dislocation of the elbow and excessive soft tissue impairment. The fixator was applied for a mean of 8.5 weeks (5-13 weeks). Great care was taken to use the appropriate technique in applying the fixator, especially to define the correct centre of rotation. All the fractures were united, and no instability of the joint was noted. All the patients maintained a functional range of motion, with lack of extension less than 30 degrees and flexion more than 120 degrees . One patient who developed transient palsy of the radial nerve and two patients who developed pin track infection were treated with oral antibiotics. Despite the technical difficulties, external fixation of the elbow could be a salvage procedure in difficult cases of elbow trauma, where open procedures are not indicated.     

A hinged external fixator for treatment of complex elbow joint injuries

BACKGROUND: The treatment of complex injuries of the elbow joint by a hinged fixator is a new concept of external transfixation with guided movement in a defined monocentric axis. Biomechanical investigations using cadaver specimens showed that the monocentric guidance ensures additional stability in these unstable osteoligamentous injuries, allows early functional treatment, and can be used in primary but also in revision surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2004, 23 patients with complex fractures of the elbow joint were treated with a hinged monocentric external fixator after open reduction and internal fixation. The early functional treatment started 6.4 days (mean) postoperatively; the average range of motion (ROM) was 58 degrees. RESULTS: The early functional treatment using a hinged fixator resulted in a mean increase in the range of motion of up to 71 degrees within an average time course of 34.7 days. In 18 patients a significant increase in the ROM was seen; in 4 patients no improvement in the ROM could be achieved. Only one patient showed a decrease in ROM (5 degrees). Follow-up examinations after 10 months revealed a mean ROM of 88 degrees. CONCLUSION: In agreement with the literature, our results provide evidence that the use of a hinged monocentric external fixator in combination with early functional therapy results in an increase in the ROM and represents a beneficial device and concept in the treatment of complex injuries of the elbow joint.     

Use of a hinged external fixator for elbow instability after severe distal humeral fracture

The authors report the case of a forty-year-old man who developed acute elbow instability after fixation of an open, comminuted distal humeral fracture. Treatment with a hinged, external elbow fixator was successful in reestablishing elbow stability and a functional range of elbow motion. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the use of this device for acute elbow instability after distal humeral fracture fixation has not been previously reported.     

跨关节外固定架治疗复杂肘关节骨折脱位

目的　评价跨关节外固定架治疗复杂肘关节骨折脱位的疗效。方法　采用自制单侧带轴可动跨关节外固定架治疗复杂肘关节骨折脱位 12例 ,其中 6例开放性损伤 ,4例合并神经损伤。外固定架使用时间平均为 3 8周 (2～ 6周 )。结果　平均随访时间 6个月 (3～ 10个月 )。损伤愈合后肘关节伸屈活动度平均为 115°(75°～ 135°) ,Morrey平均分数为 86分 (5 0～ 96分 )。 2例优 ,8例良好 ,1例一般 ,1例差。并发症 :1例暂时桡神经瘫痪 ,1例伤口感染 ,1例针道感染。结论　跨关节外固定架治疗复杂严重肘关节骨折脱位可靠有效。     

Open release and a hinged external fixator for the treatment of elbow stiffness in young patients

Elbow stiffness is a well-recognized complication following elbow trauma, but little information is available regarding the surgical treatment of elbow stiffness in children and adolescents. This article presents the results of open arthrolysis with twin incisions and a hinged external fixator to treat severe elbow contracture in children and adolescents.Twenty-one patients (mean age, 14.9 years; range, 7-19 years) were evaluated. All patients underwent surgery using a hinged external fixator and a combined mediolateral approach to address the elbow contracture. Mayo elbow score and range of motion (ROM) were measured preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. All but 1 patient achieved a functional ROM of 100°. Preoperatively, mean flexion was 70.2° (range, 30°-100°), extension was 42.6° (range, 0°-80°), and total ROM was 28.5° (range, 0° to 80°); postoperatively, mean flexion improved to 122.8° (range, 90°-140°), extension to 10° (range, 0°-30°), and total ROM to 114.5° (range, 60°-140°). The Mayo elbow score improved from a mean of 48 points (range, 35-65 points) to 90 points (range, 75-100 points), and 9 patients had excellent results, 7 had good results, 4 had fair results, and 1 had a poor result. No significant differences existed between postoperative measurements at 3, 12, and 24 months. No pin-tract infections or deep infections occurred, and no vascular or neurological complications were noted.Surgical treatment of elbow stiffness using a hinged external fixator and open arthrolysis is an effective procedure in children and adolescents.     

An in vitro biomechanical study of a hinged external fixator applied to an unstable elbow

Details of the mechanical properties of hinged external fixators are essential to use the fixator properly in the clinical setting. A hinged external fixator (Dynamic Joint Distractor 2) was attached to the lateral side of 7 cadaveric elbows. Cantilever lateral bending tests were performed at 3 flexion angles in varus and valgus directions. Varied states of joint contact and axial loading were studied. Stiffness of the construct was calculated with uniaxial loading. Stiffness decreased with increased elbow flexion. Gap creation made the system less stiff. Axial loading made the system stiffer, especially in valgus testing. Stiffness in varus was approximately 4 times that in valgus. Lateral fixator application with half pins is most effective for protecting against varus-producing forces. When using the external fixator for unstable elbows, attention should be paid to the status of the articular surfaces and the integrity of the ligaments, and this should also be noted for elbow position during rehabilitation.     

Use of a hinged external knee fixator after surgery for knee dislocation

Purpose:This study documents short-term clinical outcomes in patients with knee dislocations after blunt trauma and evaluates the compass knee hinge (CKH) external fixator for their treatment.Type of Study:Nonrandomized prospective functional outcome study.Methods:Forty patients with 43 knee dislocations were evaluated. Twelve knees underwent ligament reconstruction followed by placement of a CKH; this was group A. Group B included 27 knees that underwent the same treatment and rehabilitation protocol except that an external brace was used rather than a CKH.Results:Thirty-six patients with 39 knee dislocations underwent follow-up ranging from 14 to 41 months (mean, 24). Four patients with 4 knee dislocations were lost to follow-up (1 group A, 3 group B). Group A underwent 27 knee ligament procedures with 2 (7%) failures based on clinical examination. Group B underwent 102 ligament procedures with 30 (29%) failures (P < .05). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction revealed that 7 group A patients experienced 1 (14%) failure and 25 Group B patients experienced 7 (28%) failures. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in 7 group A patients included no failures, and 20 PCL reconstructions in group B included 1 failure. Reconstruction of the posterolateral corner (PLC) yielded no failures in 2 group A patients and 5 (25%) of 20 in group B. Repair of 8 PLCs in group A yielded 1 (12.5%) failure and 26 PLC repairs in group B had 14 (54%; P = .05). SF-36 data revealed low mean values with no significant differences between groups with current enrollment.Conclusions:Knee dislocation after blunt trauma requires aggressive surgical treatment and physical therapy. In the short-term evaluation, the CKH allows aggressive physical therapy without placing repaired or reconstructed ligaments under high stresses that can result in failure.     

ARM: a modular hinged joint for the AO tubular external fixator

Certain complex traumatic elbow lesions challenge the orthopaedic and trauma surgeon. If they are not treated correctly, they cause a high rate of disability, arising from elbow instablility and stiffness, either by fibrosis or joint incongruity. Injuries such as complex fractures of the proximal third of the ulna, coronoid fractures associated with radial head fractures (the "terrible triad"), are even worse if they are accompanied by soft tissue lesions. Hinged external fixators, complemented by other surgical procedures, are, for many, a recommended alternative when dealing with irreparable lesions. The AO tubular external fixator, by virtue of its versatility, is a very important tool in orthopaedics and trauma, but there is not the possibility of using it as a hinged fixator. The authors describe a prototype of a hinged joint that can be applied easily to the AO tubular external fixator, converting it into a hinged one. This hinged joint, in conjunction with the AO tubular external fixator, has been applied in 5 patients; 2 "terrible triads", one posterior elbow fracture-dislocation with radial head fracture, one Monteggia fracture-dislocation and an anterior elbow dislocation that developed a forearm compartment syndrome. The patients' age range was between 20 and 72 years (median 45,6); 4 were male and 1 female. In 3 patients, either a type III coronoid fracture or a radial head fracture, could not be repaired. One radial head was totally removed and another one partially removed. The remaining indications were because of severe soft tissue lesions. Results were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Score Scale and the Broberg and Morrey radiographic evaluation scale. The median follow up was 18 months(range 6 to 48 months). All 5 patients got a maximum score of 100 points in the Mayo's Elbow Score Scale, indicating excellent results. No patient suffered elbow pain, or any type of elbow instability. The median range of motion in flexion was of 127.5 degrees (max. 140 degrees and min. 120 degrees ) and the median extension loss was 20 degrees (max. 25 degrees and min. 15 degrees ). One patient had pronation limited to 70 degrees and one had supination limited to 70 degrees . Every patient was able to resume a normal daily life activity and returned to normal work. In 3 patients the radiographic evaluation was Grade 0 and in the other 2, Grade I. Two complications occurred, one was a distal ulnar Schanz screw loosening with osteolysis and the other was a superficial infection of one Schanz screw. It can be concluded that good results can be obtained in injuries with severe elbow instability and soft tissue lesions, using this hinged external fixator. With this new clamp, the AO tubular external fixator is transformed into a hinged one and a new use is added to this already very versatile system. This clamp is very easy to apply.     

铰链式外固定支架和石膏外固定治疗急性复杂性肘关节不稳的临床疗效比较

目的探讨应用铰链式外固定支架结合有限内固定和切开复位内固定结合石膏外固定治疗急性复杂性肘关节不稳的临床疗效比较。方法2004年1月至2006年6月,80例不稳定性肘关节骨折脱位患者进行手术治疗并获得随访,其中支架组38例,男24例,女14例;年龄17～60岁,平均32．8岁;左侧13例,右侧24例,双侧1例。石膏组42例,男20例,女22例;年龄20～65岁,平均34．6岁;左侧18例,右侧23例,双侧1例。以肘关节功能评价法（JOA）评分标准进行肘关节功能评定。结果80例获得随访,其中支架组38例,石膏组42例;随访时间12～18个月,平均15．6个月。外固定支架使用6～8周,平均7．5周。骨折愈合时间石膏组6～8周,平均7．5周;支架组7～9周,平均8周。术后石膏组JOA功能评分为（15．51±1．50）分,活动度评分为（13．40±7．79）分,支架组JOA功能评分为（18．51±1．40）分,活动度评分为（18．54±8．62）分,两组在功能和活动度方面比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;而在疼痛、关节动摇性和畸形方面的组间评分无显著性差异（P〉0．05）;支架组总评分为（73．44±10．21）分,石膏组为（81．63±10．75）分,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论铰链式外固定支架能增加肘关节侧方的稳定性,有利于维持骨折脱位的复位,保证早期安全的功能锻炼,预防关节僵硬,减少异位骨化的发生。与其他治疗方式相比,铰链式外固定支架在急性复杂性肘关节不稳的治疗中对早期肘关节的功能恢复更具优越性。     

Complications of hinged external fixators of the elbow

Despite the growing use of hinged external fixators of the elbow, there are no studies regarding the complications associated with their application. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with complications with this procedure. Between 1998 and 2005, we reviewed the records of 100 consecutive patients who were treated with hinged external fixators (including 433 pin sites). Complications specifically related to pin placement were recorded. There were 15 patients with minor complications (15%) involving 21 pins (4.8%) and 10 patients with major complications (10%) involving 29 pins (6.7%). Minor complications included local erythema and nonpurulent drainage lasting greater than 5 days in 9 patients (21 pins) and the need for skin release to decrease tension adjacent to pins in 6 patients (9 pins). Major complications included purulent pin site drainage in 1 patient (2 pins), fixator malalignment in 1, pin loosening in 4 (11 pins), and deep infection in 4. There were no fractures around the pin sites or nerve injuries associated with pin placement. With care, articulated external fixators can be used without a high incidence of major complications. Most of the complications were attributed to local pin site infection. Factors clinically associated with an increased risk of deep infection include a history of prior procedures in the post-traumatic elbow and the complexity of the operative technique.     

铰链式超关节外固定器结合有限内固定治疗肘部骨折的临床观察

目的 探讨铰链式超关节外固定器治疗肘部骨折的临床价值。方法 2001年3月～2002年11月铰链式超关节外固定器结合有限内固定治疗肘部骨折患者10例，男8例．女2例；年龄22～46岁，平均35岁。4例为肱骨髁间骨折，均为RiseboroughⅣ型骨折．后正中入路．将尺骨鹰嘴凿断连同胜三头肌向近端翻起，将骨折复位后用多枚松质骨螺钉或骨片钉固定；2例为尺骨冠状突骨折伴肘关节脱位，1例ReganⅢ型骨折。骨折块超过冠状突50％，用螺钉固定，另1例ReganⅡ型骨折，骨折块不足冠状突50％．先在骨折近端钻孔，用丝线穿过此孔缝合远端及关节囊；2例为MasonⅣ型桡骨头骨折伴肘关节脱位，采用肘关节外侧入路，1例因骨折块很小无法固定，行桡骨头切除，1例将较大骨折块(约占桡骨头总面积2/3)固定．其余部分切除；2例为尺骨鹰嘴骨折伴肘关节脱位，采用钢丝张力带固定。结果 10例患者全部获得随访，随访时间6～18个月．平均12个月。根据Money制定评估指数，优6例．良3例，可1例．优良率90％。术后伤口一期愈合8例．2例开放性骨折伤口延迟愈合。结论 铰链式超关节外固定器结合有限内固定治疗肘部骨折不但可以辅助固定，允许关节早期活动．而且可以明显恢复关节功能。     

Kinematics of the ligamentous unstable elbow joint after application of a hinged external fixation device: a cadaveric study

We studied the kinematics of 8 ligamentous unstable elbow joint preparations after application of the Orthofix elbow external fixation device. Valgus, varus, external rotatory, and internal rotatory load tests were performed in lateral collateral ligament (LCL)-deficient and LCL/medial collateral ligament (MCL)-deficient joints. After placement of the fixator, the mean extension decreased significantly to 19.5 degrees +/- 7.2 degrees in the LCL-deficient joint and to 19.1 degrees +/- 6.6 degrees in the LCL/MCL-deficient joint compared with the mean extension of the intact joint, which was 10.5 degrees +/- 4.2 degrees. After application of the fixator, valgus displacement was significantly decreased by 4.0 degrees +/- 3.4 degrees in the LCL-deficient joint and by 3.6 degrees +/- 3.3 degrees in the LCL/MCL-deficient joint compared with the intact joint. External rotatory displacement was significantly decreased in the LCL-deficient joint by 4.9 degrees +/- 3.7 degrees and in the LCL/MCL-deficient joint by 5.0 degrees +/- 4.7 degrees. Internal rotatory displacement was significantly decreased by 3.3 degrees +/- 2.7 degrees in the LCL-deficient joint, but it was not significantly changed in the LCL/MCL-deficient joint. The Orthofix elbow external fixator guided elbow motion to a more varus position compared with the intact elbow and decreased the range of motion of the joint, constraining mainly extension. We conclude that the fixator stabilized the ligamentous unstable elbow joint efficiently but at the expense of changes in the normal motion pattern.     

Treatment of unreduced elbow dislocations with hinged external fixation

BACKGROUND: The results of operative treatment of an unreduced elbow dislocation have been regarded with pessimism. Suggested procedures have included tendon-lengthening, tendon transfer, or reconstruction of ligament or bone. METHODS: Three women and two men (average age, forty-nine years) with an unreduced dislocation of the elbow without associated fractures were treated with open relocation of the joint and hinged external fixation at an average of eleven weeks (range, six to thirty weeks) after the initial injury. The lateral soft tissues, including the origin of the lateral collateral ligament complex, were reattached to the lateral epicondyle in three patients, but no attempt was made to reconstruct the ligaments, tendons, or bone. A passive worm gear incorporated into a hinged external fixator was used to mobilize the elbow initially, and active mobilization was gradually introduced. The hinge was removed at an average of five weeks after the procedure. RESULTS: At an average of thirty-eight months (range, twelve to ninety-eight months), a stable, concentric reduction had been maintained in all five patients, with radiographic signs of mild arthrosis in four. The average arc of flexion was 123 degrees, and all patients had full forearm rotation. The average score on the Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 89 points, with two excellent and three good results. The average scores on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons outcome instruments (13 and 92 points, respectively) reflected mild residual pain and disability. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of unreduced elbow dislocations with open reduction and hinged external fixation as much as thirty weeks after the injury can restore a stable, mobile joint without the need for tendon-lengthening or transfer, ligament reconstruction, or deepening of the trochlear notch of the ulna.     

Arthrodesis of the elbow using Ilizarov's external fixator

Arthrodesis of the elbow was achieved without major surgery on the joint itself, while maintaining satisfactory pronation, supination, and function of the arm. To this end, the external fixator of Ilizarov was used in a compression set-up which interfered only moderately with daily life activities. Solid fusion was achieved after 4 1/2 months. To our knowledge this is the first time that this technique has been used for such an indication. The operative technique is described and its advantages emphasized.     

Interposition arthroplasty of the elbow with hinged external fixation for post-traumatic arthritis

This retrospective case series reviewed 9 men and 4 women (mean age, 41 years) with severe post-traumatic elbow arthrosis treated with interposition arthroplasty and temporary hinged external fixation. In 2 patients, treatment was considered to have failed because of early postoperative instability, and their results were classified as poor. The remaining 11 were followed up for a mean of 4 years (range, 1-11 years). The mean arc of flexion improved from 48 degrees before surgery to 110 degrees after surgery. The mean postoperative Broberg-Morrey score was 77 points, reflecting a mean improvement of 41 points (range, 13-68 points) and corresponding with 1 excellent, 4 good, 4 fair, and 4 poor results. Four patients had severe instability associated with bone loss of the distal humerus or trochlear notch. Interposition arthroplasty can improve elbow motion and function but at the expense of elbow stability despite hinged external fixation.     

Management of acute complex instability of the elbow with hinged external fixation

We report the experience of a single surgeon who treated 20 patients, over a 9-year period, with acute complex instability of the elbow with hinged external fixation. Patients who presented greater than 6 months after the original injury were excluded. The mechanism of injury was typically a fall or a motor vehicle accident. Fixators were placed at a mean of 26 days (range, 0-66 days) after injury and initial management. Reconstruction of the collateral ligaments was not performed, but soft tissues were repaired en bloc to the humerus. All patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 2.1 years. Flexion-extension arcs averaged 93 degrees , whereas pronation-supination arcs averaged 96 degrees. Posttraumatic arthrosis was commonly seen at follow-up, with moderate or severe changes developing in 55% of patients. Arthrosis did not correlate with functional outcomes, however. Outcomes were measured by use of the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and the Hospital for Special Surgery Total Elbow Scoring System, with mean scores of 75 and 71 points, respectively. Although the severity of injury often precludes obtaining a high percentage of good and excellent results, the outcomes after treatment of acute complex elbow instability with hinged external fixation by use of the technique detailed in this series are comparable to those of similar series.