scholarly journals Does the Coronoid Always Need to Be Fixed in Terrible Triad Injuries of the Elbow? Mid-Term Postoperative Outcomes Following a Standardized Protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3500
Author(s):  
Beom-Soo Kim ◽  
Du-Han Kim ◽  
Seok-Ho Byun ◽  
Chul-Hyun Cho

The purpose of this study was to investigate mid-term outcomes and complications after operative treatment according to a standardized protocol for terrible triad injuries. Twenty-four patients that were treated by a single surgeon with a standardized surgical protocol were retrospectively reviewed. After the complete reconstruction of radial head and/or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex through a lateral approach, coronoid process, and/or medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex through a medial approach were fixed if the elbow is unstable. For coronoid fractures, only type III were fixed in four cases (16.7%). Twenty-two LCL (91.7%) and five MCL (20.8%) complexes were repaired. At the final follow-up, the mean MEPS and Quick-DASH score were 91.5 and 17.3, respectively. There was no recurrent instability after operation in all cases. This study revealed that operative treatment that was based on our standardized protocol for terrible triad injuries yielded satisfactory mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes without any recurrent instability. These results suggest that Type I and II coronoid fractures in terrible triad injuries do not need to be fixed if the radial head and ligamentous complex are completely reconstructed.

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Pai ◽  
V Pai

Purpose. To report outcomes in 6 patients with the terrible triad of the elbow treated with our modified protocol. Methods. 6 men aged 26 to 54 years underwent surgery for the terrible triad of the elbow by a single surgeon. All the patients had a displaced comminuted fracture of the radius, posterior dislocation of the elbow, and Morrey type-I fracture of the coronoid. They all underwent replacement of the radial head and repair of the lateral collateral ligament to the isometric part of the lateral condyle using suture anchors. Five had an additional capsular fixation to the anterior coronoid using suture anchors; in patient 6 the coronoid was not repaired because it was stable. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) elbow assessment score. Bone union, implant loosening, heterotopic ossification, and degenerative changes were assessed using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Results. After a mean follow-up of 2.2 (range, 1–3) years, the mean arc of flexion-extension was 116 degrees and the mean flexion contracture was 15 degrees. All patients maintained a concentric reduction of both the ulnotrochlear and the radiocapitellar articulation, with isometric fixation of the lateral collateral ligament. No patient had dislocation of the radial-head prosthesis. All had good-to-excellent HSS elbow scores, and none required re-operation. Patient 2 had neuropraxia of the radial nerve, which recovered within 3 months. Patient 4 had a range of movement of only 20 to 100 degrees, but was satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion. Repair of the articular capsule using suture anchors in addition to replacement of the radial head and repair of the lateral collateral ligament achieves favourable outcome in patients with the terible triad of the elbow.


2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (12) ◽  
pp. 1620-1628
Author(s):  
Alexander Klug ◽  
Angela Nagy ◽  
Yves Gramlich ◽  
Reinhard Hoffmann

Aims To evaluate the outcomes of terrible triad injuries (TTIs) in mid-term follow-up and determine whether surgical treatment of the radial head influences clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods Follow-up assessment of 88 patients with TTI (48 women, 40 men; mean age 57 years (18 to 82)) was performed after a mean of 4.5 years (2.0 to 9.4). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were evaluated. Radiographs of all patients were analyzed. Fracture types included 13 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 59 type III. Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) was performed if reconstruction was not possible. Results At follow-up the mean MEPS was 87.1 (20 to 100); mean OES, 36.9 (6 to 48); and mean DASH score, 18.6 (0 to 90). Mean movement was 118° (30° to 150°) for extension to flexion and 162° (90° to 180°) for pronation to supination. The overall reoperation rate was 24%, with nine ORIF, ten RHA, and two patients without treatment to the radial head needing surgical revision. When treated with RHA, Mason type III fractures exhibited significantly inferior outcomes. Suboptimal results were also identified in patients with degenerative or heterotopic changes on their latest radiograph. In contrast, more favourable outcomes were detected in patients with successful radial head reconstruction after Mason type III fractures. Conclusion Using a standardized protocol, sufficient elbow stability and good outcomes can be achieved in most TTIs. Although some bias in treatment allocation, with more severe injuries assigned to RHA, cannot be completely omitted, treatment of radial head fractures may have an independent effect on outcome, as patients subjected to RHA showed significantly inferior results compared to those subjected to reconstruction, in terms of elbow function, incidence of arthrosis, and postoperative complications. As RHA showed no apparent advantage in Mason type III injuries between the two treatment groups, we recommend reconstruction, providing stable fixation can be achieved. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1620–1628.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dheeraj somanath Attarde ◽  
Atul Patil ◽  
Parag Sancheti ◽  
Ashok Shyam

Abstract Terrible triad of the elbow are a part of rare complex injury around elbow and consists of posterior dislocation combined with the fractures of the radial head and coronoid process of the ulna. Variable outcome has been reported in such injuries, we report a case of a 44-year-old man presenting with bilateral terrible triad of the elbow joints injured due to fall from height. Our surgical procedure included fixation of the radial head through a lateral approach on one side and excision of fractured fragment on another along with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) repair bilaterally, also fixation of the coronoid process and repair of medial collateral ligament (MCL) done on both sides through an anteromedial incision. Bone union was achieved 3 months after surgery. Patient resumed his routine activities at end of 5 months with good functional outcome.


2019 ◽  
Vol 101-B (12) ◽  
pp. 1512-1519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Klug ◽  
Felix Konrad ◽  
Yves Gramlich ◽  
Reinhard Hoffmann ◽  
Kay Schmidt-Horlohé

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Monteggia-like lesions at midterm follow-up and to determine whether the surgical treatment of the radial head influences the clinical and radiological results. Patients and Methods A total of 78 patients with a Monteggia-like lesion, including 44 women and 34 men with a mean age of 54.7 years (19 to 80), were available for assessment after a mean 4.6 years (2 to 9.2). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Radiographs were analyzed for all patients. A total of 12 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 36 type III fractures were included. Surgical treatment consisted of screw fixation for all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) or excision was performed if reconstruction was not possible. Results The mean MEPS was 88.9 (40 to 100), mean OES was 40.1 (25 to 48), mean MMWS was 88.1 (50 to 100), mean DASH score was 14.7 (0 to 60.2), and mean movement was 114° (sd 27) in extension/flexion and 155° (sd 37) in pronation/supination. Mason III fractures, particularly those with an associated coronoid fracture treated with RHA, had a significantly poorer outcome. Suboptimal results were also identified in patients who had degenerative changes or heterotopic ossification on their latest radiograph. In contrast, all patients with successful radial head reconstruction or excision had a good outcome. Conclusion Good outcomes can be achieved in Monteggia-like lesions with Mason II and III fractures, when reconstruction is possible. Otherwise, RHA is a reliable option with satisfactory outcomes, especially in patients with ligamenteous instability. Whether the radial head should be excised remains debatable, although good results were achieved in patients with ligamentous stability and in those with complications after RHA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1512–1519


2018 ◽  
Vol 100-B (11) ◽  
pp. 1499-1505 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Najd Mazhar ◽  
H. Ebrahimi ◽  
D. Jafari ◽  
A. Mirzaei

Aims The crucial role of the radial head in the stability of the elbow in terrible triad injury is acknowledged. This retrospective study aims to compare the results of resection of a severely comminuted radial head with or without prosthetic arthroplasty as part of the reconstruction for this injury. Patients and Methods The outcome of radial head resection was compared with prosthetic arthroplasty in 29 and 15 patients with terrible triad injuries, respectively. There were ten female patients (34.5%) in the resection group and six female patients (40%) in the prosthesis group. The mean age was 40.7 years (sd 13.6) in the resection group and 36 years (sd 9.4) in the prosthesis group. The mean follow-up of the patients was 24.4 months (sd 12) in the resection group and 45.8 months (sd 6.8) in the prosthesis group. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and range of movement. Postoperative radiological complications were also recorded. Results The mean ranges of extension, flexion, supination, and pronation were not significantly different between the two study groups (p = 0.75, p = 0.65, p = 0.82, and p = 0.68, respectively). The mean VAS score, DASH score, and MEPS of the two groups were also not statistically significantly different (p = 0.93, p = 0.19, and p = 0.32, respectively). At the final visit, the elbow was stable in all patients. No patient was found to have developed an Essex–Lopresti injury. Osteoarthritis grade I and II was observed in five and three patients of the resection group, respectively, and four and one patients of the arthroplasty group, respectively. Conclusion The outcome of patients undergoing treatment for terrible triad injuries is similar whether the patient’s radial head was excised or replaced. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1499–505.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-160
Author(s):  
Jong-Pil Kim ◽  
Ji-Kang Park ◽  
Joon-Young Yoo ◽  
Won-Jeong Shin ◽  
Jeong-Sang Kim ◽  
...  

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate topographic anatomy of the footprints of key ligaments of the elbow and assess their relationships with bony parameters using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Additionally, the ratios of type I/III collagen at the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of elbow were investigated.Methods: Eleven cadaveric elbows attached by both the MCL and LCL were scanned using micro-CT and reconstructed three-dimensionally. Additionally, the ligaments were examined under polarized light microscopy to determine the histological characteristics of collagen patterns. Results: Areas of footprints of the MCL and LCL attaching onto the humerus were 133.2±25.8 mm² and 128.3±23.2 mm², respectively. Footprint sizes of anterior and posterior bundles of the MCL in the proximal ulna and lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) attaching to the proximal ulna averaged to 109.9 mm², 89.2 mm², and 89.7 mm², respectively. There were a positive correlation between footprint size of the MCL and LUCL at the humeral side and a negative correlation between the footprint size of the MCL at humeral side and maximal diameter of the radial head. The collagen I/III ratio of the humeral attachment of the MCL was higher than distal attachment of the MCL. Conclusion: This study provides a better understanding of the pathologies of the MCL and LCL complex of the elbow and their relationships with osseous anatomy and may assist the clinician with an anatomic reconstruction of the ligaments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 80 ◽  
pp. 105140
Author(s):  
Taku Hatta ◽  
Kiyotsugu Shinagawa ◽  
Jun Kawakami ◽  
Nobuyuki Yamamoto ◽  
Masaaki Kitada ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596712110489
Author(s):  
Jae-Man Kwak ◽  
Dani Rotman ◽  
Jorge Rojas Lievano ◽  
James S. Fitzsimmons ◽  
Shawn W. O’Driscoll

Background: There is no consensus how to determine the varus laxity due to the LCL injury using the ultrasonography. There is a risk of lateral collateral ligament injury during or after arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis release for tennis elbow. The equator of the radial head has been suggested as a landmark for the safe zone to not increase this risk; however, the safe zone from the intra-articular space has not been established. Hypothesis: Increased elbow varus laxity due to lateral collateral ligament–capsular complex (LCL-cc) injury could be assessed reliably via ultrasound. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Eight cadaveric elbows were evaluated using a custom-made machine allowing passive elbow flexion under gravity varus stress. The radiocapitellar joint (RCJ) space was measured via ultrasound at 30° and 90° of flexion during 4 stages: intact elbow (stage 0), release of the anterior one-third of the LCL-cc (stage 1), release of the anterior two-thirds (stage 2), and release of the entire LCL-cc (stage 3). Two observers conducted the measurements separately, and the mean RCJ space in the 3 LCL-cc injury models (stages 1-3) at both flexion angles was compared with that of the intact elbow (stage 0). We also compared the measurements at 30° versus 90° of flexion. Results: At 30° of elbow flexion, the RCJ space increased 2 mm between stages 0 and 2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1-3 mm; P < .01) and 4 mm between stages 0 and 3 (95% CI, 2-5 mm; P < .01). At 90° of elbow flexion, the RCJ space increased 1 mm between stages 0 and 2 (95% CI, 1-2 mm; P < .01) and 2 mm between stages 0 and 3 (95% CI, 2-3 mm; P < .01). Conclusion: Elbow varus laxity under gravity stress can be reliably assessed via ultrasound by measuring the RCJ space. Clinical Relevance: Because ultrasonographic measurement of the RCJ space can distinguish the increasing varus laxity seen with release of two-thirds or more of the LCL-cc, the anterior one-third of the LCL-cc, based on the diameter of the radial head, can be considered the safe zone in arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis release for tennis elbow.


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