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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Study protocol

A hinged external fixator for complex elbow dislocations: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Authors: Niels WL Schep, Jeroen De Haan, Gijs IT Iordens, Wim E Tuinebreijer, Maarten WGA Bronkhorst, Mark R De Vries, J Carel Goslings, S John Ham, Steven Rhemrev, Gert R Roukema, Inger B Schipper, Jan Bernard Sintenie, Hub GWM Van der Meulen, Tom PH Van Thiel, Arie B Van Vugt, Egbert JMM Verleisdonk, Jos PAM Vroemen, Philippe Wittich, Peter Patka, Esther MM Van Lieshout, Dennis Den Hartog

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Elbow dislocations can be classified as simple or complex. Simple dislocations are characterized by the absence of fractures, while complex dislocations are associated with fractures of the radial head, olecranon, or coronoid process. The majority of patients with these complex dislocations are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or arthroplasty in case of a non-reconstructable radial head fracture. If the elbow joint remains unstable after fracture fixation, a hinged elbow fixator can be applied. The fixator provides stability to the elbow joint, and allows for early mobilization. The latter may be important for preventing stiffness of the joint. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of early mobilization with a hinged external elbow fixator on clinical outcome in patients with complex elbow dislocations with residual instability following fracture fixation.

Methods/Design

The design of the study will be a multicenter prospective cohort study of 30 patients who have sustained a complex elbow dislocation and are treated with a hinged elbow fixator following fracture fixation because of residual instability. Early active motion exercises within the limits of pain will be started immediately after surgery under supervision of a physical therapist. Outcome will be evaluated at regular intervals over the subsequent 12 months. The primary outcome is the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. The secondary outcome measures are the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, Oxford Elbow Score, pain level at both sides, range of motion of the elbow joint at both sides, radiographic healing of the fractures and formation of periarticular ossifications, rate of secondary interventions and complications, and health-related quality of life (Short-Form 36).

Discussion

The outcome of this study will yield quantitative data on the functional outcome in patients with a complex elbow dislocation and who are treated with ORIF and additional stabilization with a hinged elbow fixator.

Trial Registration

The trial is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR1996).
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Metadata
Title
A hinged external fixator for complex elbow dislocations: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors
Niels WL Schep
Jeroen De Haan
Gijs IT Iordens
Wim E Tuinebreijer
Maarten WGA Bronkhorst
Mark R De Vries
J Carel Goslings
S John Ham
Steven Rhemrev
Gert R Roukema
Inger B Schipper
Jan Bernard Sintenie
Hub GWM Van der Meulen
Tom PH Van Thiel
Arie B Van Vugt
Egbert JMM Verleisdonk
Jos PAM Vroemen
Philippe Wittich
Peter Patka
Esther MM Van Lieshout
Dennis Den Hartog
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-130

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