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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 25-06-2022 | Elbow Instability | Original Article

Complications and range of motion of patients with an elbow dislocation treated with a hinged external fixator: a retrospective cohort study

Authors: Bart Van Tunen, Esther M. M. Van Lieshout, Konrad Mader, Dennis Den Hartog

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2022

Abstract

Purpose

Elbow dislocations are at risk for persistent instability and stiffness of the joint. Treatment with a hinged external fixation provides elbow joint stability, and allows early mobilization to prevent stiffness. Mounting a hinged elbow fixator correctly, however, is technically challenging. The low incidence rate of elbow dislocations with persistent instability suggests that centralization would result in higher surgeon exposure and consequently in less complications. This study aimed to investigate the results of treatment of elbow dislocations with a hinged elbow fixator on the rate of complications, range of motion, level of pain and restrictions in activities of daily living.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study in a level I trauma center, in which the majority of patients was treated by a dedicated elbow surgeon, was performed. All patients of 16 years or older treated with a hinged external elbow fixator between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 were included. The fixator could be used (1) for the treatment of persistent instability in acute/residual simple and complex dislocations or (2) as revision surgery to treat joint incongruency or a stiff elbow. Patient and injury characteristics, details on treatment, complications, secondary interventions, and range of motion were extracted from the patients’ medical files.

Results

The results of treatment of 34 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 13 months. The fixator was removed after a median period of 48 days. Fixator-related complications encountered were six pintract infections, one redisclocation, one joint incongruency, one muscle hernia, and one hardware failure. The median range of motion at the end of follow-up was 140° flexion, 15° constraint in extension, 90° pronation, and 80° supination.

Conclusion

A hinged elbow fixator applied by a dedicated elbow surgeon in cases of elbow instability after elbow dislocations can result in excellent joint function. Fixator-related complications are mostly mild and only temporary.

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Title: Complications and range of motion of patients with an elbow dislocation treated with a hinged external fixator: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bart Van Tunen
Esther M. M. Van Lieshout
Konrad Mader
Dennis Den Hartog
Publication date: 25-06-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Elbow Instability
External Fixator
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 6/2022
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-022-02013-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Complications and range of motion of patients with an elbow dislocation treated with a hinged external fixator: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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