Complications of Elbow Trauma.
The elbow is a highly congruent trochoginglymoid joint allowing motion in both flexion-extension and pronosupination across 3 articulations. Therefore, treatment of fractures of the elbow can be technically challenging to manage, even after initial surgery. The posttraumatic elbow is prone to complications such as stiffness associated with heterotopic ossification, instability or subluxation (posterolateral rotatory instability and varus posteromedial instability patterns), and wound complications. This article discusses the pathoanatomy, prevention, and treatment of these complications.
Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University, 450 North Broadway Street, MC 6342, Redwood City, CA 94304, USA. Electronic address: evcheung@stanford.edu.
Emilie V
EV
Cheung
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room R144, Stanford, CA 94305-5341, USA.
Eric J
EJ
Sarkissian
D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D004550:Elbow / Q000601:surgery*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014945:Wound Healing; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
Complications; Heterotopic ossification; Instability; Stiffness; Wound infection