Open elbow arthrolysis for posttraumatic elbow stiffness

OBJECTIVES: The elbow joint is vulnerable to stiffness, especially after trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of open arthrolysis for posttraumatic elbow stiffness. DESIGN: Cohort retrospective study. PATIENTS: Eighteen consecutive patients were evaluated by an independent observer at an average of 16 months (6 to 43) after open elbow arthrolysis was performed for posttraumatic stiffness. Initial traumas were: isolated fractures (11) or dislocation (1) and complex fracture-dislocations (6). Initial treatments were: nonoperative (3), radial head resection (1), and ORIF (14). Patients presented predominantly with mixed contractures (combined extrinsic and intrinsic contractures). INTERVENTION: Open elbow arthrolysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Elbow function and patient satisfaction were the principal outcome measures. At follow-up European Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (SECEC) elbow scores were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Three patients had minor postoperative complications: 1 partial wound dehiscence, 1 subcutaneous infection, and one seroma. None of these complications influenced the final result clinically. The mean total increase in range of motion was 40 degrees (13 to 112 degrees), with a mean gain in flexion of 14 degrees (0 to 45 degrees) and 26 degrees in extension (5 to 67 degrees). No patient showed signs of elbow instability. There was no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis progression at follow-up. We did not find any correlations between the type of stiffness, the approaches used, and the results. However, patients with the greatest preoperative stiffness had significantly better improvement of mobility (P<0.001). The best results were obtained in patients who had arthrolysis done within 1 year after the initial trauma (P=0.008). The mean SECEC scores were 88 (52 to 100) for the injured elbows, and 96 (88 to 100) for the contralateral elbows. CONCLUSION: Open elbow arthrolysis for patients with posttraumatic stiffness improves joint function and provides patient satisfaction. The best results, in terms of gain of motion and patient satisfaction, were obtained in patients with severe stiffness who had operations within the first year after initial trauma.     

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.     

Semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty for ankylosed and stiff elbows

BACKGROUND: Total elbow arthroplasty can be a valuable option for the treatment of ankylosed or very stiff elbows. METHODS: A semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty was performed in thirteen patients (fourteen elbows) with a preoperative range of elbow motion of 30 degrees or less. Nine elbows were fused or ankylosed preoperatively. The mean age at the time of the surgery was fifty years (range, twenty-four to seventy-nine years). The etiology of the stiffness was trauma for eleven elbows, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for two, and rheumatoid arthritis for one. RESULTS: After a mean duration of follow-up of sixty-three months, the result was excellent for four elbows, good for four, fair for one, and poor for five, according to the Mayo elbow performance score. The mean arc of flexion improved from 7 degrees (range, 0 to 30 degrees) preoperatively to 67 degrees (range, 10 to 115 degrees) after the surgery. The most important factor that influenced the final result was the presence of ectopic bone surrounding the elbow joint. There were seven complications. Infection developed in five elbows. Three elbows had a superficial infection, which did not compromise the final result in two and which was treated with a myocutaneous flap in one with skin necrosis, with an excellent result. Deep infection developed in two other elbows. Both had an unsatisfactory result, one after implant removal and one after several debridements and retention of the prosthesis. Two patients sustained a fracture because of a loose component, and the prosthesis was revised. Four patients who lost motion within the first month following the surgery had a manipulation under anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty is a useful option for patients with an ankylosed or a very stiff elbow and results in a considerable improvement of motion. Because of the nature of the underlying pathology, complications, including reoperation, are frequent, but the risk can be lessened by careful preoperative planning and surgical technique. Replacement is the preferred option in patients who are more than sixty years of age, but it is also a good choice in younger patients if there is no other viable option.     

Inverted 'V' osteotomy excision arthroplasty for bony ankylosed elbows

Obesity is traditionally viewed to be beneficial to bone health because of well-established positive effect of mechanical loading conferred by body weight on bone formation, despite being a risk factor for many other chronic health disorders. Although body mass has a positive effect on bone formation, whether the mass derived from an obesity condition or excessive fat accumulation is beneficial to bone remains controversial. The underline pathophysiological relationship between obesity and bone is complex and continues to be an active research area. Recent data from epidemiological and animal studies strongly support that fat accumulation is detrimental to bone mass. To our knowledge, obesity possibly affects bone metabolism through several mechanisms. Because both adipocytes and osteoblasts are derived from a common multipotential mesenchymal stem cell, obesity may increase adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation while decrease osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. The increased circulating and tissue proinflammatory cytokines in obesity may promote osteoclast activity and bone resorption through modifying the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin pathway. Furthermore, the excessive secretion of leptin and/or decreased production of adiponectin by adipocytes in obesity may either directly affect bone formation or indirectly affect bone resorption through up-regulated proinflammatory cytokine production. Finally, high-fat intake may interfere with intestinal calcium absorption and therefore decrease calcium availability for bone formation. Unraveling the relationship between fat and bone metabolism at molecular level may help us to develop therapeutic agents to prevent or treat both obesity and osteoporosis. Obesity, defined as having a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m², is a condition in which excessive body fat accumulates to a degree that adversely affects health [1]. The rates of obesity rates have doubled since 1980 [2] and as of 2007, 33% of men and 35% of women in the US are obese [3]. Obesity is positively associated to many chronic disorders such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and certain cancers [4–6]. It is estimated that the direct medical cost associated with obesity in the United States is ~$100 billion per year [7]. Bone mass and strength decrease during adulthood, especially in women after menopause [8]. These changes can culminate in osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration resulting in increased bone fracture risk. It is estimated that there are about 10 million Americans over the age of 50 who have osteoporosis while another 34 million people are at risk of developing the disease [9]. In 2001, osteoporosis alone accounted for some $17 billion in direct annual healthcare expenditure. Several lines of evidence suggest that obesity and bone metabolism are interrelated. First, both osteoblasts (bone forming cells) and adipocytes (energy storing cells) are derived from a common mesenchymal stem cell [10] and agents inhibiting adipogenesis stimulated osteoblast differentiation [11–13] and vice versa, those inhibiting osteoblastogenesis increased adipogenesis [14]. Second, decreased bone marrow osteoblastogenesis with aging is usually accompanied with increased marrow adipogenesis [15, 16]. Third, chronic use of steroid hormone, such as glucocorticoid, results in obesity accompanied by rapid bone loss [17, 18]. Fourth, both obesity and osteoporosis are associated with elevated oxidative stress and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines [19, 20]. At present, the mechanisms for the effects of obesity on bone metabolism are not well defined and will be the focus of this review.     

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.     

Elbow fracture-dislocations: the role of hinged external fixation

Fracture-dislocations of the elbow remain a complex problem in orthopaedics. The myriad of treatment protocols and methodologies focuses on precise articular alignment and restoration of the skeletal architecture. The goal is to re-establish function as quickly as possible so as to allow rehabilitation involving the full range of motion. Surgical management, primarily reconstruction of the secondary stabilizers of the elbow joint as well as preserving soft tissue structures, subsequently provides the possibility of a speedier recovery. If proper skeletal alignment does not confer enough stability, hinged external fixation becomes an integral part of the treatment strategy for the reconstructive and trauma surgeon.     

广泛松解联合铰链式外支架固定治疗复杂肘关节创伤术后僵硬的疗效分析

目的探讨广泛松解联合铰链式外支架固定治疗复杂肘关节创伤术后僵硬的疗效。 方法2012年1月至2014年12月盐城市第三人民医院共手术治疗复杂肘关节创伤术后僵硬患者13例,广泛松解联合铰链式外支架固定,术后服用塞来昔布,镇痛下康复训练。按照Broberg和Morrey肘关节功能评分进行疗效评定。 结果术后随访时间为18~24个月,平均20.8个月。术前肘关节平均伸直角度为（31.5±2.7）°,平均屈曲角度为（93.0±10.1）°,活动范围为（61.5±12.4）°。术后肘关节平均伸直角度为（10.5±2.4）°,平均屈曲角度为（117.5±4.2）°,活动范围为（107.0±6.1）°（P <0.05）。按照Broberg和Morrey肘关节功能评分进行疗效评定：优2例,良8例,一般3例,优良率76.9%。 结论治疗肘关节僵硬不能"生畏",需彻底松解,正规康复,以期功能良好恢复。     

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.     

创伤后肘关节僵硬的外固定支架松解术

目的 总结铰链外固定支架松解术治疗创伤后肘关节僵硬的早期经验.方法 2005年1～6月收治12例创伤后肘关节发生僵硬患者,男8例,女4例;年龄8～56岁,平均40岁.应用铰链外固定支架对患者僵硬肘关节进行松解.结果 所有患者获得16～26个月,平均20.8个月,患者肘关节平均最大屈曲活动度从术前的62.1°改善为术后107.1°,平均最大伸展活动度从术前的32.5°改善为术后21.7°,总平均活动范围从术前的29.6°改善为术后85.4°,Mayo评分从术前44.6分改善为术后80.4分.结论 采用铰链外固定支架松解技术治疗创伤后肘关节僵硬疗效显著,可有效增加僵硬肘关节的最大屈伸活动度及活动范围.     

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.     

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.     

Open tibial fractures treated with Hoffmann external fixation

Thirty-two open fractures of the tibial shaft were treated with external fixation between 1973 and 1981. Early amputation was necessary in one patient. In the remainder, including 14 with extensive soft-tissue lesions, wound healing was obtained within 18 weeks, and the median time until full weight bearing without pain was 32 weeks (range 8-60 weeks). Two deep infections healed during the observation period. Among 26 patients examined 1-9 years after the injury, the result was excellent in six, good in 11, fair in four, and poor in five patients (including the amputation). One fracture had not united during the observation period. Four poor results were due to the stiffness of the ankle and foot after compartment syndrome. In conclusion, alertness for early fasciotomy is necessary even in severe open tibial fractures. The external fixation should not be continued longer than the soft tissue and bone reconstruction make it necessary.     

The use of hinged external fixation to provide additional stabilization for fractures of the distal humerus

OBJECTIVE: To assess improvements in fixation stability when a hinged unilateral external fixator is used to supplement compromised internal fixation for distal humerus fractures. METHODS: Removing a 1-cm section of the distal humerus in cadaveric whole-arm specimens created a comminuted distal humerus fracture model (AO type 13-A3). Fixation was then performed using different constructs representing optimal, compromised, or supplemented internal fixation. Internal fixation consisted of either 2 reconstruction plates with 1, 2, or 3 (optimal) distal attachment screws, or crossing medial and lateral cortical screws. A hinged external fixator was applied in combination with compromised internal fixation. The stability of the different constructs was then evaluated using 3-point bending stiffness and distal fragment displacement measurements during flexion and extension testing. RESULTS: Addition of the external fixator increased the stiffness of all constructs. Stiffness of the compromised reconstruction plate constructs with supplemented fixation was similar to or significantly greater than that of optimal internal fixation. Addition of the fixator to the reconstruction plates with 1 screw or the crossing screws produced displacements of the distal fragment that were similar to those of the compromised constructs alone. However, medial/lateral and anterior/posterior displacements of the distal fragment during flexion and extension of the elbow for supplemented fixation were found to be greater than those for optimal internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a hinged external fixator for supplemental fixation of distal humerus fractures may be effective in cases where internal fixation is severely compromised, although displacements may increase above optimal fixation.