OBJECTIVE: To explore the importance of the posterior and lateral arterial network of elbow in the application of the super-regional and mutual-pedicled axial flap. METHODS: Twenty-seven upper extremities of adult cadavers were prepared as casts of Acrylomintril Batradiene Styrene(ABS) resin and corroded in a b solution of NaOH according to natural layers of human tissue. The source, site and structure of the posterior and lateral arterial network of elbow were observed, the number and total sectional area of anastomosing branches crossing the line between two humeral epicondyles were measured and compared with the medial and anterior region. RESULTS: There are 8.64 +/- 2.74(36.42%) and 8.30 +/- 1.19(35.0%) anastomosing branches crossing the posterior and lateral regions, and total section areas are (0.48 +/- 0.11) mm2 and (0.37 +/- 0.03) mm2 respectively. So there is very rich arterial network around the elbow. CONCLUSION: The enough number of anastomosing branches and their section areas of the posterior and lateral region of the elbow make it possible to connect super-regional and mutual-pedicled axial flaps crossing the elbow.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of peri-elbow bone infection. Methods The clinical data of 19 patients with peri-elbow bone infection treated with limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator between May 2018 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 4 females with an average age of 44.6 years (range, 28-61 years). There were 13 cases of distal humerus fractures and 6 cases of proximal ulna fractures. All the 19 cases were infected after internal fixation of fracture, and 2 cases were complicated with radial nerve injury. According to Cierny-Mader anatomical classification, 11 cases were type Ⅱ, 6 cases were type Ⅲ, and 2 cases were type Ⅳ. The duration of bone infection was 1-3 years. After primary debridement, the bone defect was (3.04±0.28) cm, and the antibiotic bone cement was implanted into the defect area, and the external fixator was installed; 3 cases were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and 2 cases were repaired with lateral brachial fascial flap. Bone defects repair and reconstruction were performed after 6-8 weeks of infection control. The wound healing was observed, and white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reaction protein (CRP) were reexamined regularly after operation to evaluate the infection control. X-ray films of the affected limb were taken regularly after operation to observe the bone healing in the defect area. At last follow-up, the flexion and extension range of motion and the total range of motion of the elbow joint were observed and recorded, and compared with those before operation, and the function of the elbow joint was evaluated by Mayo score. Results All patients were followed up 12-34 months (mean, 26.2 months). The wounds healed in 5 cases after skin flap repair. Two cases of recurrent infection were effectively controlled by debridement again and replacement of antibiotic bone cement. The infection control rate was 89.47% (17/19) in the first stage. Two patients with radial nerve injury had poor muscle strength of the affected limb, and the muscle strength of the affected limb recovered from grade Ⅲ to about grade Ⅳ after rehabilitation exercise. During the follow-up period, there was no complication such as incision ulceration, exudation, bone nonunion, infection recurrence, or infection in the bone harvesting area. Bone healing time ranged from 16 to 37 weeks, with an average of 24.2 weeks. WBC, ESR, CRP, PCT, and elbow flexion, extension, and total range of motions significantly improved at last follow-up (P<0.05). According to Mayo elbow scoring system, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 89.47%. ConclusionLimited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of the peri-elbow bone infection can effectively control infection and restore the function of the elbow joint.
Objective To explore the clinical methods of resection of elbow tumor and total elbow replacement with custom personalized prosthesis based on three dimensional (3-D) printing navigation template. Methods In August 2016, a 63-year-old male patient with left elbow joint tumor was treated, with the discovery of the left distal humerus huge mass over 3 months, with elbow pain, activity limitation of admission. Computer-assisted reduction technique combined with 3-D printing was used to simulate preoperative tumor resection, a customized personal prosthesis was developed; tumor was accurately excised during operation, and the clinical result was evaluated after operation. Results The time was 46 minutes for tumor resection, and was 95 minutes for personalized implant and allograft bone without fluoroscopy. X-ray and CT examination at 1 week after operation showed good position of artificial elbow joint; the anteversion of ulna prosthesis was 30° and the elbow carrying angle was 15°, which were consistent with the simulated results before surgery. The finger flexion was normal at 1 month after operation; the range of motion was 0-130° for elbow flexion and extension, 80° for forearm pronation, and 80° for forearm supination. The elbow function was able to meet the needs of daily life at 7 months after operation, and no recurrence and metastasis of tumor were observed. Conclusion For limb salvage of elbow joint, computer aided design can make preoperative surgical simulation; the navigation template can improve surgical precision; and the function of elbow joint can be reconstructed with customized and personlized prosthesis for total elbow replacement.
Objective To analyse short-term cl inical effect of total elbow arthroplasty in treatment of distal comminuted humeral fracture with serious osteoporosis in geratic patients. Methods From April 2006 to October 2007, five cases of distal comminuted humeral fractures were treated by total elbow arthroplasty with bone cement. Of them, there were 2 males and 3 females, aging 50-76 years old (mean 67.6 years old), including 4 cases of closed fracture and 1 case of open fracture (II type Gustilo-Anderson). All fractures were caused by tumbl ing. According to classification of AO, there were 2 cases of type C1, 2 cases of type C2 and 1 case of type C3. The Barnett index of osteoporosis was 0.40-0.45. The time from injury to operation was 4 to 18 days (mean 7.2 days). The rehabil itation exercise of function was done after 2 days of operation. Results The operative time was from 120 to 180 minutes (mean 150 minutes), the bleeding amount was from 150 to 250 mL (mean 200 mL). All incision achieved primary heal ing. No compl ication occurred. Five cases were followed up for 19 to 36 months (mean 24.5 months). The mean motion range of elbow joint include 141.6° for flection, 6.5° for extention, 10.2° for the degree of ectropion, 81.7° for revolve forward, and 73.8° for revolve behind respectively after 4 months of operation. The length discrepancy of upper l imb was less than 1.5 cm, the muscle force for flexion and extention of finger and wrist was normal. The X-ray films showed that the position of artificial joint was satisfactory without prosthesis dislocation or loosening. According to Mayo elbow performance score, the excellent and good rate was 80% (excellent in 1 case, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case). Conclusion Total elbow arthroplasty with bone cement is an effective method in treatment of distal comminuted humeral fracture with serious osteoporosis obviously in the geratic patients, but indication and technique of operation should be mastered strictly.
Three-dimensional finite element model of elbow was established to study the effect of medial collateral ligament (MCL) in maintaining the stability of elbow joint. In the present study a three-dimensional geometric model of elbow joint was established by reverse engineering method based on the computed tomography (CT) image of healthy human elbow. In the finite element pre-processing software, the ligament and articular cartilage were constructed according to the anatomical structure, and the materials and contacts properties were given to the model. In the neutral forearm rotation position and 0° flexion angle, by comparing the simulation data of the elbow joint with the experimental data, the validity of the model is verified. The stress value and stress distribution of medial collateral ligaments were calculated at the flexion angles of elbow position in 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, respectively. The result shows that when the elbow joint loaded at different flexion angles, the anterior bundle has the largest stress, followed by the posterior bundle, transverse bundle has the least, and the stress value of transverse bundle is trending to 0. Therefore, the anterior bundle plays leading role in maintaining the stability of the elbow, the posterior bundle plays supplementary role, and the transverse bundle does little. Furthermore, the present study will provide theoretical basis for clinical recognizing and therapy of elbow instability caused by medial collateral ligament injury.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic release of elbow joint assisted by medial small incision ulnar nerve release in the treatment of non-traumatic elbow stiffness. MethodsThe clinical data of 15 patients with non-traumatic elbow stiffness treated with arthroscopic release of elbow joint assisted by medial small incision ulnar nerve release between April 2019 and September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 9 females with an average age of 46 years ranging from 34 to 56 years. The causes included rheumatoid arthritis in 3 cases, gouty arthritis in 2 cases, loose bodies in 3 cases, and elbow osteoarthritis in 7 cases. There were 4 cases with ulnar neuritis and 3 cases with synovial osteochondromatosis. The duration of elbow stiffness ranged from 6 to 18 months, with an average of 10 months. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, range of elbow motion (maximum flexion, maximum extension, and total flexion and extension), Mayo score, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) elbow score. ResultsThe operation time was 60-90 minutes, with an average of 65 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 40-100 mL, with an average of 62 mL. All patients were followed up 13-18 months, with an average of 14 months. There was no complication such as vascular and nerve injury, poor wound healing, collateral ligament injury, elbow joint space narrowing, osteophyte proliferation, or loose body formation around the joint. At last follow-up, the elbow range of motion (maximum flexion, maximum extension, and total flexion and extension), VAS score, and Mayo score significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The HSS elbow score was 85-95, with an average of 92; 12 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. ConclusionArthroscopic release of elbow joint assisted by medial small incision ulnar nerve release is an effective way to treat non-traumatic elbow stiffness, which has the advantages of small trauma, short operation time, and good effectiveness. It can carry out early elbow rehabilitation training and significantly improve elbow function.
【Abstract】 Objective To research the method and effectiveness of V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch in the treatment of small skin defect in the dorsal elbow. Methods Between March 2008 and August 2010, 6 cases of skin defect in the dorsal elbow were treated by V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch, including 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 53 years (range, 16-76 years). Defects were caused by crushing in 3 cases, by punching in 2 cases, and the disease duration was 4 hours 30 minutes to 7 days (mean, 29.5 hours); and by chronic infection in 1 case, and the disease duration was 12 months. The defect size ranged from 4.0 cm × 2.5 cm to 9.5 cm × 3.5 cm, all complicating by bone or tendon exposure. The flap size ranged from 6.0 cm × 4.0 cm to 12.5 cm × 9.5 cm; the donor sites were sutured directly. Results All flaps survived completely, wounds and incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. Six cases were followed up 6-12 months after operation. The flaps had good texture and color. Two-point discrimination of the skin flap was 12-16 mm. The function of limb was normal, and elbow flexion and extension activity averaged 105° (range, 95-125°). Conclusion It is ideal to treat small skin defect in the dorsal elbow with V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch because of easier operation and less injury at donor site.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of elbow arthrography through lateral approach in the treatment of elbow fractures in infants.MethodsThe clinical data of 24 infants with elbow fractures admitted between May 2016 and May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 boys and 10 girls with an average age of 1.8 years (range, 2 months to 3 years). The time from injury to admission ranged from 1 hour to 7 days, with an average of 6.7 hours. The preoperative carrying angle was (30.8±4.5)° (range, 24°-41°), and the elbow range of motion was (128.5±4.5)° (range, 125°-134°). Elbow arthrography through lateral approach was used in all cases, including 10 cases of humeral lateral condylar fracture, 6 cases of distal humeral epiphysis fracture, 3 cases of fresh Monteggia fracture, and 5 cases of radial neck fracture. According to fracture types, open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation, closed reduction with plaster cast fixation, or closed reduction with percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation were used.ResultsNone of the children had adverse reactions such as drug allergy. All patients were follow-up 14-38 months, with an average of 19.6 months. The skin irritation around the needle tail occurred in 2 cases after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after the Kirschner wire was pulled out. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of elbow joint showed that the fractures healed well and no mulunion at the fracture site or premature epiphysis closure was observed. At last follow-up, the carrying angle was (5.2±1.9)° (range, 2°-8°) and the elbow range of motion was (137.1±4.7)° (range, 133°-141°), which were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (t=22.670, P=0.000; t=11.910, P=0.000). According to Flynn clinical function evaluation standard of elbow joint, 22 cases were excellent, 1 case was good, and 1 case was fair. The excellent and good rate was 95.8%.ConclusionElbow arthrography through lateral approach can clearly judge the cartilage damage of the elbow joint surface in infants, and minimize the occurrence of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, and can guide the choice of treatment.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectivenesss of simple lateral extensor digitorum communis (EDC) split approach combined with loop-plate fixation in the treatment of ulnar coronoid fracture in terrible triad of elbow (TTE).MethodsThe clinical data of 60 patients with TTE who met the selection criteria between January 2015 and May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 48 males and 12 females, aged from 18 to 60 years (mean, 37.4 years). All the patients were closed fractures. Injury causes included fall injury in 28 cases, falling from height in 20 cases, and traffic accident injury in 12 cases. All patients had no vascular and nerve injury, and the time from injury to operation was 1-14 days, with an average of 4.8 days. The height and size of the fracture of the coronal process were measured by CT and accurate classifications were made. All the 60 patients were treated with simple lateral EDC split approach combined with loop-plate to fix the ulnar coronoid fracture; 20 patients of radial head fracture were fixed with hollow screw, 32 patients with mini-plate fixation, 8 patients with radial head prosthesis replacement; 16 patients with suture and 44 patients with suture anchor to reconstruct lateral collateral ligament complex; 10 patients with residual instability of elbow joint were fixed with hinge external fixator, and others were fixed with adjustable tension brace after operation. Postoperative imaging examination was performed to evaluate fracture healing and complications, such as loosening or breakage of internal fixator, osteoarthritis, and heterotopic ossification, etc. During follow-up, the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint was recorded, including elbow flexion, extension, and forearm pronation, supination. Mayo elbow function score system (MEPS) was used to evaluate elbow joint function at last follow-up.ResultsAll patients were followed up 16-24 months (mean, 20.2 months). All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no complications such as vascular nerve injury, elbow joint instability, internal fixation failure, and infection occurred; the fracture healing time was 9-17 weeks (mean, 11.7 weeks). Four cases developed elbow stiffness after operation, and all underwent elbow joint lysis with internal fixator removal within 12-15 months after operation; 10 cases developed heterotopic ossification without special treatment. At last follow-up, the ROM of elbow flexion ranged from 85° to 135° (mean, 116°), the ROM of elbow extension ranged from 0° to 20° (mean, 11°), the ROM of forearm pronation ranged from 55° to 75° (mean, 70°), and the ROM of forearm supination ranged from 60° to 90° (mean, 83°). The MEPS score ranged from 55 to 100 (mean, 86.1); the effectiveness were excellent in 40 patients, good in 10 patients, fair in 6 patients, and poor in 4 patients, with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%.ConclusionThe simple lateral EDC split approach is fully exposed, and the loop-plate can fix the ulnar coronoid fractures firmly and stably, which can restore the stability of the elbow joint, and the effectiveness is satisfactory.
Objective To observe the effectiveness of reduction and fixation by the improved elbow anteromedial approach in treatment of ulna coronoid process fracture. Methods Between January 2010 and December 2014, 13 patients with the ulna coronoid process fracture were treated with reduction and fixation by the improved elbow anteromedial approach. There were 10 males and 3 females with an average age of 37.2 years (range, 18-57 years). Five cases were caused by traffic accident, 7 cases by falling injury from height, and 1 case by object impact injury. Seven cases were the terrible triad of the elbow, 4 cases were the ulna coronoid process and radial head fractures, 1 case was the proximal radius and ulna fractures, and 1 case was the ulna coronoid process and distal radius fractures. According to Regan-Morrey classification criteria, the ulna coronoid process fracture was rated as type Ⅱ in 2 cases and as type Ⅲ in 11 cases. According to O’Driscoll classification criteria, 10 of the 13 cases were anterior coronoid fracture (8 cases of type Ⅱb, 2 of type Ⅱc), and 3 of basal fracture. The operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications, range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint, Mayo elbow function index (MEPI) score and fracture healing time were recorded. Results The average operation time was 38.7 minutes (range, 30-55 minutes), and the average amount of intraoperative bleeding was 109.3 mL (range, 90-160 mL). All incisions healed at stage Ⅰ. There was no iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury. All patients were followed up 13-24 months (mean, 16.9 months). All fractures achieved clinical healing. The average healing time was 11.2 weeks (range, 8-16 weeks). There were 2 cases of heterotopic ossification. At last follow-up, the ROM of elbow flexion was 119-145° (mean, 132.4°); the ROM of elbow extension was –8-15° (mean, 7°). The ROM of forearm pronation was 68-90° (mean, 78.6°), and the ROM of forearm supination was 76-90° (mean, 84.3°). At last follow-up, the MEPI score was 70-100; and 9 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and 1 case was fair. The excellent and good rate was 92.3%. Conclusion Improved elbow anteromedial approach for the ulna coronoid process fracture can not only avoid the injuries of surrounding blood vessels and nerves, but also perform fracture reduction and fixation under direct vision. It is a safe, simple, and effective treatment method for the ulna coronoid process fracture.