Objective To investigate the blood supply of the ulnar nerve in the elbow region and to design the procedure of anterior transposition of ulnar nerve accompanied with arteries for cubital tunnel syndrome.Methods The vascularity of the ulnar nerve was observed and measured in20adult cadaver upper limb specimens. And the clinical surgical procedure was imitated in 3 adult cadaver upper limb specimens. Results There were three major arteries to supply the ulnar nerve at the elbow region: the superior ulnar collateral artery, the inferior ulnar collateral artery and the posterior ulnar recurrent artery. The distances from arterial origin to the medial epicondyle were 14.2±0.9, 4.2±0.6 and 4.8±1.1 cm respectively. And the total length of the vessels travelling alone with the ulnar nerve were 15.0±1.3,5.1±0.3 and 5.6±0.9 cm. The external diameter of the arteries at the beginning spot were 1.5±0.5, 1.2±0.3 and 1.4±0.5 mm respectively. The perpendicular distance of the three arteries were 1.2±0.5,2.7±0.9 and 1.3±0.5 cm respectively.Conclusion It is feasible to perform anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve accompanied with arteries for cubital tunnel syndrome. And the procedure preserves the blood supply of the ulnar nerve following transposition.
ObjectiveTo analyze the possible injury mechanisms in patients with dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum combined with medial or posterior medial dislocation of the elbow joint, and to discuss their treatment and prognosis. Methods Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 4 patients with dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum combined with medial or posterior medial dislocation of the elbow joint admitted between September 2014 and September 2020, including 3 males and 1 female with an average age of 20.7 years (range, 13-32 years). There were 2 cases of dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum combined with medial dislocation of the elbow joint and 2 cases of dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum and anterior medial fracture of the coronoid process combined with posterior medial subluxation of the elbow joint. Closed reduction was performed in 3 patients with fresh fracture combined with dislocation, then 2 cases were fixed with tension band and 1 case was fixed with tension band combined with Acumed coronoid anatomic plate. And in patient with old fracture nonunion, the coronoid process was fixed with 1 screw, then the humeral sclerotic bone mass was removed, and finally the lateral collateral ligament was repaired and a hinged external fixator was added. Results All the incisions healed by first intention without early complications such as infection or peripheral nerve injury. The 4 patients were followed up 13-30 months (mean, 20.8 months). The fractures all healed with a healing time of 70-90 days (mean, 79.5 days). At 6 months after operation, heterotopic ossification was seen in the posterior aspect of the right elbow joint in 1 case, and the alkaline phosphatase level was normal (67 U/L); the tension band was removed to clear the heterotopic ossification and the elbow joint was released. The rest of the patients had no heterotopic ossification. At last follow-up, all patients had good functional recovery of the elbow joint, with a Mayo score of 85-100 (mean, 92.5), and the excellent and good rate was 100%. The elbow flexion range of motion was 120°-135°, the extension range of motion was 10°-20°, and the pronation and supination range of motion were all 75°-85°. Conclusion Dorsal avulsion fractures of the capitellum combined with medial or posterior medial dislocation of the elbow may be due to simple varus stress. If an anteromedial coronoid facet fracture also occurs, it may be for the varus posteromedial rotatory instability, which is the opposite mechanism to that of an Osborne-Cotterill lesion. For fresh dorsal avulsion fractures of the capitellum, tension band fixation can be used with good results.
Objective To investigate the effect of anteromedial coronoid facet fracture and lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) injury on the posteromedial rotational stability of the elbow joint. Methods The double elbows were obtained from 4 fresh adult male cadaveric specimens. Complete elbow joint (group A,n=8), simple LCLC injury (group B,n=4), simple anteromedial coronoid facet fracture (group C,n=4), and LCLC injury combined with anteromedial coronoid facet fracture (group D,n=8). The torque value was calculated according to the load-displacement curve. Results There was no complete dislocation of the elbow during the experiment. The torque values of groups A, B, C, and D were (10.286±0.166), (5.775±0.124), (6.566±0.139), and (3.004±0.063) N·m respectively, showing significant differences between groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Simple LCLC injury, simple anteromedial coronoid facet fracture, and combined both injury will affect the posteromedial rotational stability of the elbow.
Objective To evaluate of the valgus stability of the elbow after excision of the radial head, release of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), radial head replacement, and medial collateral ligament reconstruction.Methods Twelve fresh human cadaveric elbows were dissected to establish 7 kinds of specimens with elbow joint and ligaments as follow:①intact(n=12)； ②release of the medial collateral ligament(n=6)；③ excision of the radial head(n=6)；④excision of the radial head together with release of the medial collateral ligament(n=12)；⑤radial head replacement(n=6)；⑥medial collateral ligament reconstruction(n=6)；⑦radial head replacement together with medial collateral ligament reconstruction(n=12). Under two-newton-meter valgus torque, and at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 degrees of flexion with the forearm in supination, the valgus elbow laxity was quantified: All analysis was performed with SPSS 10.0 software.Results The least valgus laxity was seen in the intact state and its stability was the best. The laxity increased after resection of the radial head. The laxity was more after release of the medial collateral ligament than after resection of the radial head (Plt;0.01). The greatest laxity was observed after release of the medial collateral ligament together with resection of the radial head, so its stability was the worst. The laxity of the following implant of the radial head decreased. The laxity of the medial collateral ligament reconstruction was as much as that of the intact ligament (Pgt;0.05). The laxity of the radial head replacement together with medial collateral ligament reconstruction became less.Conclusion The results of this studyshow that the medial collateral ligament is the primary valgus stabilizer of the elbow and the radial head was a secondary constraint to resist valgus laxity.Both the medial collateral ligament reconstruction and the radial head replacement can restore the stability of elbow. If the radial head replacement can notbe carried out, the reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament is acceptable.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of modified classification of terrible triad of the elbow and the effectiveness of treatment strategy which was chosen by modified classification results. MethodsBetween March 2007 and November 2013, 12 cases of terrible triad of the elbow were treated by operation. There were 5 males and 7 females with an average age of 37.2 years (range, 26-74 years). The mechanism of injury was falling from height in 8 cases and traffic accident in 4 cases. The time from injury to operation was 4 to 11 days (mean, 6.8 days). According to the radial head, coronoid process, olecranon, and medial and lateral collateral ligament complexes injury situation, and based on Mason classification standard and O'Driscoll criteria, the classification standard of terrible triad of the elbow was improved. According to classification results, the approach was determined. The fracture reduction and fixation were performed and soft tissue was repaired. ResultsDehiscence of incision occurred in 1 case and was cured after dressing change; primary healing was obtained in the other patients. All the cases were followed up 19-35 months (mean, 21.6 months). The X-ray films showed fracture healing at 10-17 weeks (mean 12.8 weeks). At last follow-up, the mean flexion-extension arc of the elbow was 117.9° (range, 95-135°) and the mean forearm pronation and supination were 77.1° (range, 70-85°) and 62.5° (range, 45-75°). According to Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 3 cases. One patient had valgus deformity of elbow who refused radial head replacement, and 5 cases had heterotopic ossification of the elbow on the X-ray films. ConclusionThe modified classification of the terrible triad of the elbow is simple and practical, based on the damage assessment of bony structures (radial head, coronoid process, and olecranon) and the soft tissue (medial and lateral collateral ligament complexes). The modified classification can be used effectively for guiding treatment decisions.
our patients with brachial plexus root arulsion, who had undergone various nerve operationswith no functional recovery of the limb, were treated with transfer of sternocledomastoid muscle toreconstruct the function of elbow fleaion. The sternocleidomastoid muscle was datached from itsincertions and was lengthened by fascia lata graft from the thigh , and then , was transferred under theclavicle to the radiai shaft just distal to the radial tuberosity. After the recostruction, The potient...
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the AO anatomical locking compression plate in treating type C distal humeral fracture. Methods Between July 2008 and April 2009, 13 cases of type C distal humeral fracture were treated with the AO anatomical locking compression plates. There were 5 males and 8 females with an average age of 52.1 years (range, 24-80 years). Fractures were caused by tumbl ing in 7 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by fall ing from height in2 cases. According to Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, there were 3 cases of type C1, 6 cases of type C2, and 4 cases of type C3. Two cases compl icated by ulnar nerve injuries, 1 by radial nerve injury, 2 by fractures of ulnar olecranon, 3 by fractures of other parts of extremities, and 6 by osteoporosis. The time from injury to hospital ization ranged from 3 hours to 4 days (0.9 day on average). Results All the incisions achieved heal ing by first intention. Thirteen cases were followed up 12 to 21 months with an average of 15.9 months. According to the X-ray films, unions were achieved both at fracture site and the olecranon osteotomy site with a heal ing time of 8 to 13 weeks (10 weeks on average). The function of elbows recovered from 3 to 32 weeks (10 weeks on average). No fixation failure, myositis ossifican, delayed union, or malunion occurred during the follow-up. The Mayo Elbow Performance score ranged from 75 to 100 with an average score of 95.8; the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 92.3%. Conclusion The AO anatomical locking compression plate has a good fixation in treating type C distal humeral fracture. Through the approach of olecranon osteotomy, it is easy to get anatomical reduction, stable fixation, and early exercise.
Objective To review the basic research and cl inical progress of elbow heterotopic ossification after injury. Methods The recent l iterature concerning heterotopic ossification of the elbow was reviewed. Results Heterotopic ossification was caused by variety of stimul i and conditions. The current methods of prevention and treatment were to improve surgical techniques, to reduce trauma and bleeding, to rinse the area with bone fragments with plenty of salt water, and to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion Once heterotopic ossification occurred, surgical treatment is unique treatment method, so emphasis is to prevent heterotopic ossification.
【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the methods and effectiveness of arthroscopic poking reduction and percutaneousfixation of radial head fractures. Methods Between August 2002 and May 2010, 15 patients with radial head fractures weretreated using arthroscopic poking reduction and percutaneous fixation with a Kirschner wire. There were 11 males and 4 females with an average age of 29.6 years (range, 17-41 years). The locations were left side in 6 cases and right side in 9 cases. Injuries were caused by falling in 8 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by sports in 3 cases. The average time from injury to admission was 3.4 days (range, 1-8 days). Of them, 13 patients had Mason type II, and 2 patients had type III fractures. Accompanying injuries were lateral collateral ligament ruptures in 5 patients. Results The X-ray films confirmed good reduction and fracture heal ing. Incisions healed by first intention; no complication occurred, such as neurovascular injury, infection, or hardware failure. All patients were followed up 25 months on average (range, 12-32 months). The flexion-extension arc was (139.0 ± 7.9)° at last follow-up, showing no significant difference when compared with the contralateral (141.0 ± 5.1)° (t=1.146, P=0.271); the range of pronation and supination was (143.3 ± 7.0)° when compared with the contralateral (146.0 ± 4.7)° (t=1.948, P=0.072). The mean Mayo elbow performance score was 92 (range, 80-100); the mean Broberg-Morrey score was 95.2 (range, 85-100); the results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 3 cases. Conclusion Arthroscopic poking reduction and percutaneous fixation with a Kirschner wire offers accurate reduction, rel iable fixation, minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and lower morbidity for Mason type II and selective Mason type III radial head fractures.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of open arthrolysis combined with internal fixator removal for post-traumatic elbow stiffness. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the data of 80 cases treated by open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness between January 2010 and December 2011. The patients were divided into 2 groups:no internal fixation group (group A, n=39) and internal fixation group (group B, n=41) according to whether they underwent internal fixator removal at the same time. No significant difference was found in age, gender, affected side, injury time, elbow rigidity grade, and severity of heterotopic ossification (HO) between 2 groups (P>0.05) except for original injury type (P<0.05). The effectiveness was evaluated by the occurrence of complications including ulnar nerve symptoms, HO recurrence and re-fracture, the elbow range of motion (ROM) and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 15.7 months (range, 12-18 months) in group A and 16.1 months (range, 12-20 months) in group B. Ulnar nerve symptoms in 5 cases (12.8%) and HO reccurrence in 1 case (2.6%) occurred in group A, while ulnar nerve symptoms in 4 cases (9.8%), HO recurrence 1 case (2.4%), and refracture in 1 case (2.4%) occurred in group B. The incidence of each complication showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). Both the ROM and the MEPS at last follow-up increased significantly when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P<0.05). Besides, MEPS of group A was significantly higher than that of group B (t=2.36, P=0.02), but no significant difference was found in the ROM between 2 groups at last follow-up (t=0.40, P=0.69). Based on MEPS, the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 16 cases, fair in 6 cases, and poor in 1 case in group A with an excellent and good rate of 82.1%;the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 25 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 2 cases in group B with an excellent and good rate of 85.4%. There was no significant difference in excellent and good rate between 2 groups (χ2=0.16, P=0.69). ConclusionOpen elbow arthrolysis combined with internal fixator removal for post-traumatic elbow stiffness is safe and effective. However, measures for prevention of re-fracture should always be taken into consideration.