[Treatment of complex fracture--dislocation of elbow with external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation].
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the method and the effect of external fixator and limited internal fixation with joint applied for complex fracture-dislocation of elbow.


METHODS
From Mar. 2005 to Mar. 2008, 17 patients with complex fracture-dislocation of elbow were treated with external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation. Nine of them were on the left side and 8 on the right side. There were 11 males and 6 females. The age was from 21 to 57 years with an average of 37 years. The clinical effects were evaluated according to Mayo scoring of elbow joint function (including pain, rang of motion, joint stability and so on).


RESULTS
All patients were followed up from 5 to 10 months with an average of 8 months. The mean mayo score was 82 +/- 10 (62-96). The results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 7, fair in 3.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of external fixator with joint and limited internal fixation for complex fracture-dislocation of elbow can restore anatomical articular surface with advantage of early functional training which can decrease the occurrence of elbow stiff and soft tissue contracture. It is a satisfactory method in treating complex fracture-dislocation of elbow.
Wang
Jian
J
Department of Orthopaedics, the People's Hospital of Haiyan County, Haiyan 314300, Zhejiang, China.
Wang
Wen-yue
WY
Feng
Jian
J
Zhu
Hai-tao
HT
Hu
Jiang
J
D000328:Adult; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries