Indications, alternatives, and complications of external fixation about the elbow.
External fixation around the elbow is a concept as complex as the pathology that it treats. A myriad of potential pitfalls await the surgeon who casually applies a frame to any extremity, let alone a portion of one as complicated as the elbow. A careful understanding of the anatomy, specific technique, applications of the various devices commercially available, and rational alternatives to each problem is crucial for the judicial use of external fixation around the elbow. The potential benefits of the external fixator, however, are worthy of the surgeon's time to understand and pass on to his or her next patient.
Nielsen
David
D
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Grandview Hospital and Medical Center, Ohio University, Dayton, Ohio 45404, USA. Mayday92@aol.com
Nowinski
Robert J
RJ
Bamberger
H Brent
HB
D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D003286:Contracture / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D050724:Fractures, Cartilage / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology