Elbow Fracture-Dislocation Associated with Comminution of Proximal Ulna

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2002;7(2):165-171.
Published online June 1, 2002.

Min Jong Park, Jae Chul Park

근위 척골의 분쇄를 동반한 주관절의 골절-탈구

박민종, 박재철

Abstract

Purpose
: To evaluate the results of internal fixation without using hinged external fixation for elbow fracture-dislocation associated with comminution of proximal ulna. Materials and Methods : Eight patients with ulnohumeral dislocation associated with comminuted fracture of the proximal ulna were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Motion exercise began from 7 to 30 days after the operation. Three patients had second operation due to persisted stiffness. We observed the range of motion, radiologic finding, and clinical results using Performance index of Broberg and Morrey at an average follow-up time of 23.3 months. Results : At the final follow-up, patients showed radiological union and stable ulnohumeral joint. Mild degenerative changes were observed in five patients, but associated pain was not recognized. The mean range of flexion-extension arc was 99。(80 to 120。). The mean Performance Index was 88.9 points (80 to 97 points), with one patient rated as excellent and seven rated as good. Conclusion : In the elbow fracture-dislocation associated with comminution of proximal ulna, restoration of ulnohumeral joint stability with an internal fixation of fracture is essential to achieve satisfactory functional outcome.