title: [Treatment of united or malunited fractures of the elbow].
abstract: Nonunions and malunions around the elbow are often due to incorrect initial treatment of a fracture. We have to differentiate between nonunions and malunion of adults and children. There are general principles for the treatment of nonunions and malunions of the distal humerus. They should not always be treated by decortication, internal fixation and bone graft. Removal of non-united fragments or a correction osteotomy may be good alternatives. A correct surgical approach and a biologically accurate osteosynthesis are necessary for good joint mobility, whereby the most difficult problem is to regain extension. An arthrolysis is not normally necessary during the first operation of a non- or malunion. It can be carried out, if necessary, on removal of implants. If these principles are followed, then the operation is usually successful and the patient satisfied. If treatment fails, the possibility of a joint replacement or an arthrodesis should not be forgotten.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätsspital AMC, Meibergdreef 9, Postbus 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam Z-O, Niederlande.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Eijer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schafroth
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Marti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
vernacular_title: Die Behandlung von nicht oder nicht korrekt verheilten Frakturen am Ellbogen.