1
|
Müller M, Pedersen S, Mair O, Twardy V, Siebenlist S, Biberthaler P, Banke IJ. Mid- to long-term functional outcome and return to sport after elbow dislocation in bouldering: a clinical retrospective cohort study. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2024:10.1007/s00402-024-05397-0. [PMID: 38869659 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-024-05397-0] [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] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic elbow dislocations are among the most common injuries in sport climbing. They occur most frequently in bouldering (a climbing discipline with strong upward trend often performed indoors) due to the typical low-height backward fall into crashpads. There is still no data about the functional outcome and return to sport of this typical bouldering injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS All Patients with elbow dislocations due to a bouldering associated fall between 2011 and 2020 were identified retrospectively in our level I trauma centre. Trauma mechanisms, injury types and therapies were obtained. Follow-up was performed with an online questionnaire including sports-related effects, return to sport and the Elbow Self-Assessment Score (ESAS). RESULTS 30 patients with elbow dislocations after bouldering accidents were identified. In 22 (73.3%) patients the injury was a simple dislocation. The questionnaire was completed by 20 patients. The leading mechanism was a low-height fall into crashpads. Surgical procedures were performed in every second patient. 18 patients (90%) reported return to bouldering after 4.7 ± 2.1 months. 12 patients (66.7%) regained their pre-injury level. Mid-/Long-term follow-up (mean 105 ± 37.5 months) showed excellent results in ESAS score (97.2 ± 3.9 points). Persistent limited range of motion or instability was reported by only 3 patients (15%). CONCLUSION Most athletes are able to return to bouldering but only two thirds regain their pre-injury performance level in this demanding upper-extremity sport. The unique low-height trauma mechanism may create a false sense of security. Specific awareness and safety features should be placed for climbing athletes to reduce elbow injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Müller
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - S Pedersen
- Clinic of Orthopedics and Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - O Mair
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - V Twardy
- Clinic of Orthopedics and Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - S Siebenlist
- Department of Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - P Biberthaler
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - I J Banke
- Clinic of Orthopedics and Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klute L, Henssler L, Alt V, Kerschbaum M. [Elbow joint dislocation : Frequent concomitant injuries and current treatment concepts]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:405-418. [PMID: 37081090 PMCID: PMC10160183 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Dislocations of the elbow joint are among the most prevalent dislocation injuries in the human body after shoulder joint dislocations and represent a challenge in the clinical routine because of the concomitant injuries and complications. They predominantly affect young adults who become injured during athletic or daily activities. A distinction is generally made between a simple elbow dislocation and a dislocation fracture of the elbow; however, a uniform classification or treatment algorithm has not yet been established, especially for simple elbow dislocations with associated ligamentous, muscular and capsular concomitant injuries. Due to this and the complexity of this injury, a standardized approach is needed to initiate the optimal treatment at an early stage and to correctly select the narrow treatment pathway between impending chronic instability and elbow stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Klute
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg (UKR), Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland.
| | - Leopold Henssler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg (UKR), Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Volker Alt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg (UKR), Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Maximilian Kerschbaum
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg (UKR), Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tung KTS, Wong RS, Ho FK, Chan KL, Wong WHS, Leung H, Leung M, Leung GKK, Chow CB, Ip P. Development and Validation of Indicators for Population Injury Surveillance in Hong Kong: Development and Usability Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e36861. [PMID: 35980728 PMCID: PMC9437780 DOI: 10.2196/36861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injury is an increasingly pressing global health issue. An effective surveillance system is required to monitor the trends and burden of injuries. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify a set of valid and context-specific injury indicators to facilitate the establishment of an injury surveillance program in Hong Kong. METHODS This development of indicators adopted a multiphased modified Delphi research design. A literature search was conducted on academic databases using injury-related search terms in various combinations. A list of potential indicators was sent to a panel of experts from various backgrounds to rate the validity and context-specificity of these indicators. Local hospital data on the selected core indicators were used to examine their applicability in the context of Hong Kong. RESULTS We reviewed 142 articles and identified 55 indicators, which were classified into 4 domains. On the basis of the ratings by the expert panel, 13 indicators were selected as core indicators because of their good validity and high relevance to the local context. Among these indicators, 10 were from the construct of health care service use, and 3 were from the construct of postdischarge outcomes. Regression analyses of local hospitalization data showed that the Hong Kong Safe Community certification status had no association with 5 core indicators (admission to intensive care unit, mortality rate, length of intensive care unit stay, need for a rehabilitation facility, and long-term behavioral and emotional outcomes), negative associations with 4 core indicators (operative intervention, infection rate, length of hospitalization, and disability-adjusted life years), and positive associations with the remaining 4 core indicators (attendance to accident and emergency department, discharge rate, suicide rate, and hospitalization rate after attending the accident and emergency department). These results confirmed the validity of the selected core indicators for the quantification of injury burden and evaluation of injury-related services, although some indicators may better measure the consequences of severe injuries. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a set of injury outcome indicators that would be useful for monitoring injury trends and burdens in Hong Kong.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith T S Tung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rosa S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Frederick K Ho
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ko Ling Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wilfred H S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hugo Leung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Leung
- Accident and Emergency Department, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gilberto K K Leung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chun Bong Chow
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van der Horst AS, Stephens AR, Wei G, Presson AP, Tashjian RZ, Kazmers NH. Prognostic Factors Affecting Long-Term Outcomes After Elbow Dislocation: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY GLOBAL ONLINE 2021; 3:260-265. [PMID: 34632352 PMCID: PMC8496876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe patient-reported outcomes following simple elbow dislocation and to identify the baseline factors that predict outcomes. Methods Adult patients treated with a closed reduction for a simple elbow dislocation with or without minor fracture (coronoid avulsion, radial head fracture, or epicondyle avulsion) from 2000 to 2018 completed outcome instruments including Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) via Research Electronic Data Capture. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Univariate followed by multivariate Tobit regression models were used to determine factors associated with clinical outcomes on QuickDASH. Social deprivation was measured using the Area Deprivation Index. Patients with additional upper-extremity injuries or associated major fractures (Monteggia or terrible triad injuries, distal humerus fractures, etc) were excluded. Results At a mean follow-up of 67.5 months, 95% (38/40) of patients reported satisfaction with treatment, and clinical outcomes were good (QuickDASH 9.0 ± 14.8). Univariate analysis showed that higher Area Deprivation Index, older age, female sex, high-energy mechanism of injury, and worker’s compensation (WC) or Medicare insurance status (vs commercial) was associated with significantly worse QuickDASH scores at follow-up. Early therapy, dominant elbow involvement, presence of minor fractures (minimally displaced radial head, coronoid tip, or epicondylar avulsion fractures), race, and treating service did not influence outcomes in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between increased social deprivation, WC insurance, and Medicare insurance and worse QuickDASH scores while controlling for new upper-extremity injury, age, sex, and mechanism of injury. Conclusions Outcomes and treatment satisfaction following simple elbow dislocation are generally good but are significantly worse for the patients with greater levels of social deprivation and WC or Medicare insurance. Although surgeons should be aware of the possibility that specific subsets of patients may benefit from early therapy, this factor did not appear to influence long-term outcomes in this small cohort. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic III.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna S van der Horst
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.,OrthoIndy Trauma, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Guo Wei
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Angela P Presson
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Robert Z Tashjian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Nikolas H Kazmers
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abehsera E, Guerre E, Duriez P, El Rafei M, Fontaine C, Chantelot C. Ligaments injuries check-up and assessment of their healing potential in simple posterolateral elbow dislocation: about 25 cases. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2019; 29:785-792. [PMID: 30649622 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-019-02374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elbow dislocation can lead to instability and stiffness of the elbow. The main goal of this study was to list the initial elbow ligaments injuries caused by simple posterolateral elbow dislocations. The secondary goals were to assess ligament healing 2 months after the initial dislocation, to research a correlation between ligaments injuries and clinical course, and to search for predictive factors of instability. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who had simple posterolateral elbow dislocation for the first time between January 2015 and May 2016 were included. Each patient had an MRI scan of their traumatised elbow on the day of the dislocation and then again 2 months later. The assessment was performed thanks to a clinical examination and calculation of functional recovery scores. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to research a correlation between the healing of ligaments injuries and clinical course. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included in the study. The initial MRI scans showed 70% and 54% ligament rupture, respectively, for the anterior band (ant MCL) and the posterior band (post MCL) of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), as well as 79% for the ulnar (ULCL) and 50% for the radial (RLCL) lateral collateral ligaments. The healing rate 2 months after dislocation was fairly low from 18% for the ULCL up to 41% for the anterior band of the MCL. No correlation was found between the ligament healing noticeable on MRI scans and clinical course. No elbow instability was diagnosed during the 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Elbow dislocation is particularly damaging for ligaments. There is no predominance on medial or lateral ligament for rupture. The low healing rate 2 months after the initial dislocation could be explained by performing a follow-up MRI scan too early.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Abehsera
- Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique, CHRU de Lille, Avenue du Professeur Emile Laine, Lille, France.
- Service d'Orthopédie B, Chirurgie de la Main et Membre Supérieur, CHRU de Lille, Avenue du Professeur Emile Laine, Lille, France.
| | - Elvire Guerre
- Service d'Orthopédie B, Chirurgie de la Main et Membre Supérieur, CHRU de Lille, Avenue du Professeur Emile Laine, Lille, France
| | - Pauline Duriez
- Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique, CHRU de Lille, Avenue du Professeur Emile Laine, Lille, France
| | - Mazen El Rafei
- Service d'Imagerie de l'Appareil Locomoteur, CHRU de Lille, Avenue du Professeur Emile Laine, Lille, France
| | - Christian Fontaine
- Service d'Orthopédie B, Chirurgie de la Main et Membre Supérieur, CHRU de Lille, Avenue du Professeur Emile Laine, Lille, France
| | - Christophe Chantelot
- Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique, CHRU de Lille, Avenue du Professeur Emile Laine, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Panteli M, Pountos I, Kanakaris NK, Tosounidis TH, Giannoudis PV. Cost analysis and outcomes of simple elbow dislocations. World J Orthop 2015; 6:513-520. [PMID: 26301180 PMCID: PMC4539474 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v6.i7.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the management, clinical outcome and cost implications of three different treatment regimes for simple elbow dislocations.
METHODS: Following institutional board approval, we performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients treated for simple elbow dislocations in a Level I trauma centre between January 2008 and December 2010. Based on the length of elbow immobilisation (LOI), patients were divided in three groups (Group I, < 2 wk; Group II, 2-3 wk; and Group III, > 3 wk). Outcome was considered satisfactory when a patient could achieve a pain-free range of motion ≥ 100° (from 30° to 130°). The associated direct medical costs for the treatment of each patient were then calculated and analysed.
RESULTS: We identified 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Due to loss to follow up, 13 patients were excluded from further analysis, leaving 67 patients for the final analysis. The mean LOI was 14 d (median 15 d; range 3-43 d) with a mean duration of hospital engagement of 67 d (median 57 d; range 10-351 d). Group III (prolonged immobilisation) had a statistically significant worse outcome in comparison to Group I and II (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01 respectively); however, there was no significant difference in the outcome between groups I and II (P = 0.30). No statistically significant difference in the direct medical costs between the groups was identified.
CONCLUSION: The length of elbow immobilization doesn’t influence the medical cost; however immobilisation longer than three weeks is associated with persistent stiffness and a less satisfactory clinical outcome.
Collapse
|
7
|
Upper extremity injury management by non-physician emergency practitioners in rural Uganda: A pilot study. Afr J Emerg Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
8
|
The role of simple elbow dislocations in cubitus valgus development in children. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2013; 38:797-802. [PMID: 24337926 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-013-2199-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the functional and radiological outcomes of conservatively treated simple traumatic elbow dislocations and subsequent incidence of cubitus valgus development in children. METHODS Eleven patients (one female, ten male; mean age 9.8 years, range seven to 12 years) who presented to our hospital with simple elbow dislocations and were conservatively treated between July 2008 and September 2010 were included in the study. All were posterolateral closed dislocations. None of the patients had accompanying elbow fractures. All patients had pre- and postoperative radiographic examinations. The carrying angle of the involved elbow was measured and compared to the contralateral non-injured elbow during follow-up. The incidence and severity of cubitus valgus development was assessed. The functional and clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Scale. The mean monitoring period was 24.3 months (range 19-30 months). RESULTS All patients had satisfactory good and excellent results (85-100 points; mean 96.8 points) according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Scale. The final average elbow flexion was 137° (range, 130-145°) and average extension was 8.6° (range 0-20°) with full supination and pronation in traumatic elbow. Four patients (36.4%) had an average increase (cubitus valgus) of 14.5° (10-20°) in carrying angle compared to the other elbow. CONCLUSIONS While isolated traumatic dislocation of the elbow is uncommon among children, it can be successfully treated by urgent closed reduction, proper fixation of the elbow and appropriate timely rehabilitation. However, it should be considered that some patients may develop cubitus valgus deformity in a later period. Therefore, each patient with a simple traumatic elbow dislocation should be followed, and the parents should be informed of the potential for any deformity development.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kiene J, Wäldchen J, Paech A, Jürgens C, Schulz A. Midterm Results of 58 Fractures of the Coronoid Process of the Ulna and their Concomitant Injuries. Open Orthop J 2013; 7:86-93. [PMID: 23667407 PMCID: PMC3648775 DOI: 10.2174/1874325001307010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In general, fractures of the coronoid process are rare and usually occur in combination with additional elbow joint injuries. The treatment of these injuries aims to regain a stable as well as a flexible and loadable joint. Although there is currently little evidence, therapy recommendations remain controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prognostically determine relevant factors for therapy recommendation by analysing a representative patient population of two trans-regional trauma centres. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy-seven patients with a fracture of the coronoid process were treated within an 8-year period (2001 to 2009). After an average of 48 months (SD 31), treatment outcome of 58 patients (75%) was acquired. The results were statistically analysed. RESULTS The average age of the patient was 51.8 years (SD 13.6); 36 were male and 34 had a fracture on the right arm. Applying the fracture types of the coronoid process in accordance with Regan/Morrey, the result was: Type I (19), II (17) and III (22). Further injuries were also detected: 40 radial head fractures, 17 proximal ulnar fractures and 2 fractures of the olecranon. A luxation was detected in 44 of the 58 patients (76%). The patients' average MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) was 80.6 points (SD 18), with significant differences between the various therapy strategies. Fifteen% of the coronoid process fractures were reconstructable to a limited extent only by means of osteosynthesis. In 33% of the patients, instabilities remained. The average extension/flexion came to 107° (SD 28), and pronation and supination 153° (SD 38). CONCLUSION At present, a surgical therapy of ligamentary injuries cannot be statistically justified. A stable osseous reconstruction appears to make more sense. The strongest negative prognostic parameters in our patient population were: therapy with an external fixator, immobilisation for more than 21 days, the occurrence of complications and unstable osteosyntheses on the coronoid process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Kiene
- Clinic for Surgery of the Skeletal and Locomotor System, Department of Accident Surgery, University Medical Centre - Lübeck Site, Germany
| | - J Wäldchen
- Clinic for Surgery of the Skeletal and Locomotor System, Department of Accident Surgery, University Medical Centre - Lübeck Site, Germany
| | - A Paech
- Clinic for Surgery of the Skeletal and Locomotor System, Department of Accident Surgery, University Medical Centre - Lübeck Site, Germany
| | - Ch Jürgens
- Accident Hospital of the Occupational Insurance Association Hamburg, Clinic for Accident and Reconstructive Surgery, Germany
| | - A.P Schulz
- Accident Hospital of the Occupational Insurance Association Hamburg, Clinic for Accident and Reconstructive Surgery, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
A hinged external fixator for complex elbow dislocations: a multicenter prospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12:130. [PMID: 21658252 PMCID: PMC3121661 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-12-130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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).
Collapse
|