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Breulmann FL, Lappen S, Ehmann Y, Bischofreiter M, Lacheta L, Siebenlist S. Treatment strategies for simple elbow dislocation - a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:148. [PMID: 38365699 PMCID: PMC10874000 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatment concepts for simple elbow dislocation involve conservative and surgical approaches. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the superiority of one treatment strategy over the other by a qualitative analysis in adult patients who suffered simple elbow luxation. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and following the suggestions for reporting on qualitative summaries was performed. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus, including variations and combinations of the following keywords: elbow, radiohumeral, ulnohumeral, radioulnar, luxation, and therapy. Seventeen studies that performed a randomized controlled trial to compare treatment strategies as conservative or surgical procedures were included. Reviews are not selected for further qualitative analysis. The following outcome parameters were compared: range of motion (ROM), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome measure (Quick-DASH), recurrent instability, pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and time to return to work (RW). RESULTS Early mobilization after conservative treatment strategies showed improved ROM compared to immobilization for up to 3 weeks after surgery with less extension deficit in the early mobilization group (16° ± 13°. vs. 19.5° ± 3°, p < 0.05), as well as excellent clinical outcome scores. Surgical approaches showed similar results compared to conservative treatment, leading to improved ROM (115 vs. 118 ± 2.8) and MEPS: 95 ± 7 vs. 92 ± 4. CONCLUSION Conservative treatment with early functional training of the elbow remains the first-line therapy for simple elbow dislocation. The surgical procedure provides similar outcomes compared to conservative treatment regarding MEPS and ROM for patients with slight initial instability in physical examination and radiographs. People with red flags for persistent instability, such as severe bilateral ligament injuries and moderate to severe instability during initial physical examination, should be considered for a primary surgical approach to prevent recurrent posterolateral and valgus instability. Postoperative early mobilization and early mobilization for conservatively treated patients is beneficial to improve patient outcome and ROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Lioba Breulmann
- Department of Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstraße 22, Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lappen
- Department of Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstraße 22, Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Yannick Ehmann
- Department of Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstraße 22, Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Martin Bischofreiter
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ordensklinikum Barmherzige Schwestern Linz, Linz, 4010, Austria
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Klinik Diakonissen Schladming, Schladming, 8970, Austria
| | - Lucca Lacheta
- Department of Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstraße 22, Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Sebastian Siebenlist
- Department of Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaningerstraße 22, Munich, 81675, Germany.
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Pott CMJM, de Klerk HH, Priester-Vink S, Eygendaal D, van den Bekerom MPJ. Treatment Outcomes of Simple Elbow Dislocations: A Systematic Review of 1,081 Cases. JBJS Rev 2024; 12:01874474-202401000-00001. [PMID: 38181107 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of simple elbow dislocations (SEDs) has become more functional last decade with a tendency to shorter immobilization of the elbow, whereas simultaneously, surgical stabilization has been promoted by some authors. The primary aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and analyze the outcomes and complications of different treatment options for acute and persistent SEDs, including operative and nonoperative treatments with varying immobilization periods. METHODS A literature search was performed based on the online medical databases MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane databases. Articles presenting patients with a SED were eligible for inclusion. When an SED persists for >3 weeks, it is categorized as persistent. Various outcome measures were assessed, including the range of motion (ROM), patient-reported outcome measures, and complication rates. To get insight into the severity of complications, all complications were categorized as minor or major. The Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies was used to assess the methodological quality of nonrandomized studies. The risk of bias in the randomized studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS A total of 37 articles were included with 1,081 dislocated elbows (1,078 patients). A fair quality of evidence was seen for the nonrandomized studies and a low risk of bias for the randomized study. Nonoperative treatment was administered to 710 elbows, with 244 elbows treated with early mobilization, 239 with 1- to 3-week immobilization, and 163 with ≥3-week immobilization. These groups showed a ROM flexion-extension arc (ROM F/E) of 137, 129, and 131°, respectively. Surgical treatment as open reduction and ligament repair or reconstruction was performed in 228 elbows and showed a ROM F/E of 128°. All persistent SEDs were treated surgically and showed a ROM F/E of 90°. CONCLUSION The early mobilization treatment showed the most consistent satisfactory outcomes in the literature compared with the other treatment options. Nevertheless, there remains ambiguity regarding which patients would benefit more from surgery than nonoperative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M J M Pott
- Amsterdam Shoulder and Elbow Center of Expertise (ASECE), OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Huub H de Klerk
- Amsterdam Shoulder and Elbow Center of Expertise (ASECE), OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and Groningen University, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Priester-Vink
- Medical Library, Department of Research and Epidemiology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Denise Eygendaal
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel P J van den Bekerom
- Amsterdam Shoulder and Elbow Center of Expertise (ASECE), OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Barco R, Gonzalez-Escobar S, Acerboni-Flores F, Vaquero-Picado A. Acute elbow dislocation: a critical appraisal of the literature. JSES Int 2023; 7:2560-2564. [PMID: 37969505 PMCID: PMC10638560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative review of acute elbow dislocation (AED). There are certain aspects of the management of AED that are controversial, including type and length of immobilization, indications for surgery, type of surgery, and new evidence available. Material and methods A literature search was performed using MEDLINE and Embase databases for studies regarding AED. Preference was given to studies according to their level of evidence. Studies regarding the outcome of conservative and surgical treatment, including patient-reported outcomes, complications, and conversion to stabilization or revision surgery were included. Results We found only 1 level I study and 3 level II randomized clinical trials. The rest consisted of level III-V evidence. Conservative care continues to be the standard of care for stable AEDs. Shorter immobilization periods are favored when possible. A consensus definition of an unstable elbow still needs to be improved. Unstable simple elbow dislocation may benefit from surgical intervention with different techniques showing similar outcomes. Advances in surgical procedures and suture designs, including tapes, and ligament augmentation, need to prove their role in managing acute elbow instability. Conclusion There is a need for higher quality studies after the reduction of an AED, including discerning the outcome of specific patterns of injury and particular groups of patients like high-level athletes or people with preoperative laxity. Comparison between different surgical techniques is warranted, including arthroscopic techniques and types of ligament augmentation to promote early motion and reduce postoperative stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Barco
- Upper Limb Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Fundación Instituto de Investigación IDIPaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francesc Acerboni-Flores
- Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Atónoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Alfonso Vaquero-Picado
- Upper Limb Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Fundación Instituto de Investigación IDIPaz, Madrid, Spain
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Zumbansen N, Lenich A. [Ligamentous elbow injuries-When is surgical treatment still indicated?]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:671-678. [PMID: 37344575 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01333-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The elbow joint is a hinge-type synovial joint and is the second most frequently dislocated joint in adults and the most frequently dislocated joint in children. To find the right treatment options a precise understanding of the injury pattern, anatomy, biomechanics and pathology (simple vs. complex dislocation) is essential for a good reconstruction of the function and to prevent chronic instability and pain. The differentiation between acute and chronic instability gives another variation in the treatment plan. According to the latest literature there are clear indications for surgery of a complex elbow dislocation, whereas for simple dislocations conservative treatment is preferentially recommended; however, when is the surgical treatment of a ligamentous elbow dislocation (still) indicated?
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Zumbansen
- Orthopädie am Stiglmaierplatz, ZEST - Zentrum für Ellenbogen und Schulter-Therapie, Nymphenburgerstr 1, 80335, München, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Lenich
- Orthopädie am Stiglmaierplatz, ZEST - Zentrum für Ellenbogen und Schulter-Therapie, Nymphenburgerstr 1, 80335, München, Deutschland.
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Geyer S, Lacheta L, Seilern Und Aspang J, Willinger L, Lutz PM, Lappen S, Imhoff AB, Siebenlist S. Patient satisfaction, joint stability and return to sports following simple elbow dislocations: surgical versus non-surgical treatment. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2023; 143:1481-1489. [PMID: 35220457 PMCID: PMC9957866 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-022-04383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE While conservative management is commonly promoted for simple elbow dislocations, the importance of primary surgical treatment in these injuries is still undetermined. The objective of this study was to report patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), return to sports (RTS) and joint stability using ultrasound in patients following conservative or surgical treatment after simple elbow dislocation. METHODS Patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months after conservative (CT) or surgical treatment (ST) following simple elbow dislocation were included in this retrospective study. To evaluate patients' postoperative outcome and satisfaction, the Elbow Self-Assessment Score (ESAS) was used, and validated scores such as the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the Quick Disability of Arm and Shoulder Score (Quick-DASH) and RTS were assessed. For objective assessment of residual joint instability, a standardized clinical examination as well as a dynamic ultrasound evaluation of the affected and the contralateral elbow was performed. RESULTS Forty-four patients (26 women, 18 men) with an average age of 41.5 ± 15.3 years were available for follow-up survey (65.5 ± 30.4 months; range 26-123). 21 patients were treated conservatively and twenty-three patients received surgical treatment. CT and ST resulted in similar outcome with regard to ROM, ESAS (CT: 99.4 ± 1.5; ST: 99.8 ± 0.3), MEPS (CT: 97.3 ± 6.8 points; ST: 98.7 ± 3.3) and Quick-DASH (CT: 7.8 ± 10.4; ST: 6.3 ± 7.9) (n.s.). There was no difference in elbow stability and laxity measured by ultrasound between the study groups and compared to the healthy elbow (n.s.). Two patients of the CT group (10%) complained about persistent subjective elbow instability. RTS was faster after surgical compared to conservative treatment (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION Both, conservative and surgical treatment results in high patient satisfaction and good-to-excellent functional outcome after simple elbow dislocation. Even though ultrasound evaluation showed no significant differences in joint gapping between groups, 10% of conservatively treated patients complained about severe subjective instability. Surgically treated patients returned faster to their preoperatively performed sports. Thus, primary surgical treatment may be beneficial for high demanding patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Geyer
- Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucca Lacheta
- Department of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Willinger
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Patricia M Lutz
- Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lappen
- Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas B Imhoff
- Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Siebenlist
- Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Du S, Wei L, He B, Fang Z, Zhou E, Ma X, Li J. Dynamic fixation using rigid tape in rehabilitation after surgery of terrible triad injury of the elbow: A randomized trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2021; 34:957-964. [PMID: 34092597 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-200279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to identify the efficacy of dynamic fixation using rigid tape (RT) in rehabilitation after surgery of terrible triad injury of the elbow (TTIE). METHODS Sixty patients who underwent surgery of TTIE were equally randomly divided into RT group and hinged external fixation brace (HEFB) group. Dynamic fixations were applied for 8 weeks. General rehabilitation programs were performed for 3 months, 5 times a week. Follow-up (FU) was at six months. Main outcomes included pain (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), Elbow Function (Mayo Elbow Performance Index, MEPI), Quality of Life (QOL) (Short Form 36 Questionnaire, SF-36). RESULTS There were significant time x group interactions for pain, ROM, MEPI, SF-36 (all p= 0.000), which demonstrated positive efficacy of both the two interventions. Difference at each time-point (except for baseline) of pain and ROM between the two groups was statistically significant (all p< 0.05). Some differences between the two groups were not statistically significant which at 14d on MEPI (p= 0.108) and at 21d (p= 0.259) and FU (p= 0.402) on QOL. Moreover, the increased muscle strength at each time-point had no statistically significant difference between the two groups (all p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both RT and HEFB could significantly improve the postoperative functional outcomes of the TTIE. However, early rehabilitation intervention could increase pain, which affected the corresponding function (MEPI) and QOL. Note that this kind of impact was short-term and reversible. The muscle strength and ROM were not affected by the increased severe pain, maintaining a trend of improvement. In addition, the subjects in the RT group improved faster and more efficiently and had better results with pain, ROM, MEPI, and QOL compared to the subjects in the HEFB group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxing Du
- Department of Rehabilitation, Dongyang People's Hospital, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lihong Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongyang People's Hospital, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bangjian He
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Fang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Eryuan Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation, Dongyang People's Hospital, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ju Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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We still do not know which patients with a(n) (almost) simple elbow dislocation need an operative treatment. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2021; 47:875-876. [PMID: 33449128 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-020-01581-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Acute elbow dislocations are commonly seen in clinical practice, and attention to management principles and strategies can help facilitate improved outcomes. Patients may present with simple elbow dislocation, in which nonoperative treatment is highly successful. Alternatively, fracture dislocations can be sometimes easily managed but frequently are associated with the need for surgical intervention and operative and postoperative challenges.
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