Evaluation of a combined posterior lateral and anteromedial approach in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow: A retrospective study

• Published in: Medicine (Baltimore) Vol. 96; no. 22; p. e6819
• Main Authors: Wu, Xulin, Tang, Bensen, Zhu, Weimin, Zhou, Guangfu, Liu, Fuyao, Qiu, Bing, Chen, Hong-Wei, Wang, Zi-Yang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wolters Kluwer Health 01.06.2017
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Arthritis - etiology; Clinical Trial/Experimental Study; Elbow Joint - diagnostic imaging; Elbow Joint - injuries; Elbow Joint - surgery; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Joint Dislocations - complications; Joint Dislocations - diagnostic imaging; Joint Dislocations - surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Radius Fractures - complications; Radius Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Radius Fractures - surgery; Recovery of Function; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Ulna Fractures - complications; Ulna Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Ulna Fractures - surgery
• ISSN: 0025-7974; 1536-5964
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006819

This retrospective study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of a combined posterior lateral and anteromedial approach in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow (TTE). TTE patients who received a combination of posterior lateral and anteromedial approach or other conservative treatments were included in the present study. The postoperative functions of the elbow and the severity of traumatic arthritis were assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Extension-flexion of elbow joint and rotation of forearm were also measured. A combined posterior lateral and anteromedial approach or other conservative treatments showed significant improvements in the activity of the elbow, MEPS, VAS, the excellent rate, and x-ray results. The postoperative healing time and complication rate of patients who received a combined posterior lateral and anteromedial approach significantly decreased compared to those who received other conservative treatments. Patients with TTE who received a combined posterior lateral and anteromedial treatment had an increased fracture healing rate, showed improved recovery of elbow functions and had fewer complications.