title: Complex instability of the elbow.
abstract: Injuries to the elbow are commonly encountered in orthopaedic practice. They range from low energy, simple isolated fractures, to high energy complex fracture dislocations with severe ligamentous disruption. Recognising the precise pattern of injury is critical in restoring elbow function and preventing chronic instability, pain and weakness. This article discusses the important osseous and ligamentous stabilisers of the elbow joint and provides management protocols for the common patterns of complex injury encountered by the practising surgeon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, Level 5, Queens Building, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Tarassoli@mail2web.com.
authors.forename: Payam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tarassoli
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, Level 5, Queens Building, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCann
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, Level 5, Queens Building, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rouin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Amirfeyz
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
keywords: Complex elbow instability; Elbow dislocation; Elbow fracture; Elbow fracture dislocation; Elbow instability; Instability of the elbow; Terrible triad