title: Hinged elbow external fixators: indications and uses.
abstract: Hinged external fixation of the elbow joint can play an important role in managing complicated fracture-dislocations, joint instability after extensive contracture release, and distraction interposition arthroplasty. Application of these devices requires accurate alignment of the fixator axis with the anatomic axis of the elbow. The primary therapeutic goal is to allow joint motion while protecting the healing ligaments. Common complications include pin loosening, injury to adjacent neurovascular structures, cellulitis, and loss of reduction. Although reported data are limited, this technique is a useful adjunct in patients with complex elbow instability.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand and Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-The New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA.
authors.forename: Virak
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Daluiski
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Capo
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hotchkiss
mesh_terms: D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D000092464:Elbow Injuries