title: Fixation of complex elbow fractures, Part I. General overview and distal humerus fractures.
abstract: Complex elbow fractures are those intra-articular injuries which result in displacement or incongruity of one or more of the articulations between the distal humerus, proximal radius, or proximal ulna. The article discusses a system for clinical and radiographic evaluation, operative management, and rehabilitation of distal humerus fractures. This review presents detailed descriptions of skeletal reconstructive techniques for these injuries based on a review of the literature, biomechanic principles, and clinical experience. The importance of rigid internal fixation and early postoperative mobilization is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hastings
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Engles
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000092464:Elbow Injuries