title: [Treatment of complex elbow injuries by joint-spanning articulated fixator].
abstract: Biomechanical investigations in eight specimen elbow joints to test articulated external fixation showed correct extension-flexion joint position between 0 and 120 degrees. The central axis through the radial and ulnar condyles varies less than 3 degrees in total. X-ray cinematography showed correct articulation in all cases without subluxation. In six patients with persistent subluxation and complex fracture of the proximal ulna external fixation with an additional articulation was placed. All patients began with physiotherapy on the 3rd day after operation, the range of joint motion was 0-30-95 degrees in all cases, after 6 weeks 0-30-110 degrees. Additional articulated external fixation at the elbow joint can be an alternative treatment to long-term transfixation of the elbow in cases of complex injury.
authors.affiliation: Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schmickal
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wentzensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries