Combined use of Kirschner wires and hinged external fixator for capitellar and trochlear fractures: a minimum 24-month follow-up

Coronal Plane Articular Shear Fractures of the Distal Humerus

Coronal plane articular shear fractures of the distal humerus are a rare injury, comprising 6% of distal humerus fractures. The fracture can be easily missed on initial radiographs; therefore, a high index of suspicion is warranted. Radiographically obvious fractures are often more complex than initially appreciated, with plain radiographs often underestimating the extent of posterior comminution and trochlear involvement. Associated bony and ligamentous injuries are common. Anatomic reduction and internal fixation of displaced fractures is the standard of care because poor results have been described with nonsurgical treatment. However, the regional anatomy and the often-limited bone stock can make open reduction and internal fixation challenging. The lateral approach, with headless compression screws placed from anterior to posterior, is commonly used for simpler fracture patterns, but exposure and fixation of trochlea extension can be difficult. In the absence of posterior comminution, the anterolateral approach can enhance trochlea exposure and allow for a better trajectory for screw placement. Posterior comminution often requires locking plate fixation. Better results and lower complication rates have been reported for fractures with less fragmentation of the articular surface and those without posterior comminution. Contracture and symptomatic implants are the most common reasons for revision surgery.

Coronal Shear Fractures of the Distal Humerus

Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are rare, frequently comminuted, and are without consensus for treatment. The aim of this paper is to review the current concepts on the diagnosis, classification, treatment options, surgical approaches, and complications of capitellar and trochlear fractures. Computed Tomography (CT) scans, along with the Dubberley classification, are extremely helpful in the decision-making process. Most of the fractures necessitate open reduction and internal fixation, although elbow arthroplasty is an option for comminuted fractures in the elderly low-demand patient. Stiffness is the most common complication after fixation, although reoperation is infrequent.

[Mid-term effectiveness of arthrolysis and hinged external fixation for treatment of stiff elbow caused by heterotrophic ossification]

Objective

To evaluate the mid-term effectiveness of arthrolysis and hinged external fixation for the treatment of stiff elbow caused by heterotrophic ossification.

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2017, 11 patients with stiff elbow caused by heterotrophic ossification were admitted. There were 9 males and 2 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 14-48 years), and left side in 6 cases and right side in 5 cases. The cause of stiff elbow included humerus fracture in 5 cases, ulna fracture in 2 cases, fracture of capitulum radii in 1 case, dislocation of capitulum radii in 1 case, terrible triad of the elbow in 1 case, and soft tissue injury in 1 case. The disease duration ranged from 7 to 18 months (mean, 11 months). Preoperative active range of motion of elbow was (19.6±17.5)° and Mayo score was 34.1±9.7. All patients received the treatment of arthrolysis and debridement of heterotrophic ossification lesion combining hinged external fixator, and active and passive rehabilitation with the help of hinged external fixator. The hinged external fixators were removed after 2 months.

Results

All patients were followed up 13-36 months (mean, 19.1 months). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication of infection or nerve lesion occurred postoperatively. At last follow-up, the results of X-ray films showed that no heterotrophic ossification recurred. The active range of motion of elbow was (116.4±16.6)° and Mayo score was 93.2±7.8, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones ( t=17.508, P=0.000; t=16.618, P=0.000).

Conclusion

The application of arthrolysis and debridement of heterotrophic ossification lesion combining hinged external fixator can improve the elbow's range of motion significantly and obtain a good mid-term effectiveness.