[Corrective osteotomies for posttraumatic elbow deformities].
OBJECTIVE
Correcion of elbow joint deformities that usually develop secondary to direct or indirect trauma of the arm or elbow with subsequent inadequate healing and consecutive axial/rotational malalignment and may be associated with cosmetic or functional deficits of the arm.


METHODS
Relevant malalignment of the arm axis with corresponding cosmetic or functional deficits for the patient.


METHODS
Pre-existing degenerative and chronic inflammatory changes.


METHODS
Generally, two-dimensional supracondylar open or closed wedge osteotomies are used. In the presence of a three-dimensional deformity (with rotational component), an additional derotational correction is necessary. Extra-articular deformities following extension fractures should be treated preferably with an open wedge osteotomy, extra-articular deformities of flexion fractures with a closed wedge osteotomy. Valgus/varus deformities may also require a closed/open wedge osteotomy primarily through a dorsal or alternatively radial approach.


METHODS
The arm should be immobilized with a brachial cast splint for 2-3 weeks, with passive exercises of the elbow starting on postoperative day 7.


RESULTS
In general, the results for a three-dimensional osteotomy of the distal humerus are expected to be good to very good. Only in rare cases (2.5%) is a mostly transient irritation of the ulnar nerve observed.
UniversitätsCentrum für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland. joerg.nowotny@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
J
J
Nowotny
UniversitätsCentrum für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland.
F
F
Thielemann
UniversitätsCentrum für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland.
A
A
Biewener
UniversitätsCentrum für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland.
K D
KD
Schaser
D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
Arm injuries; Corrective osteotomy; Cosmetic surgery; Elbow joint; Upper extremity