Hinged elbow external fixators: indications and uses

Hinged external fixation of the elbow joint can play an important role in managing complicated fracture-dislocations, joint instability after extensive contracture release, and distraction interposition arthroplasty. Application of these devices requires accurate alignment of the fixator axis with t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Vol. 13; no. 8; p. 503
Main Authors Tan, Virak, Daluiski, Aaron, Capo, John, Hotchkiss, Robert
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2005
Subjects
Contracture - surgery
Elbow Joint - injuries
Elbow Joint - surgery
External Fixators
Fracture Fixation - instrumentation
Fractures, Bone - surgery
Humans
Joint Dislocations - surgery
Joint Instability - surgery
Prosthesis Design
Range of Motion, Articular
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Summary:Hinged external fixation of the elbow joint can play an important role in managing complicated fracture-dislocations, joint instability after extensive contracture release, and distraction interposition arthroplasty. Application of these devices requires accurate alignment of the fixator axis with the anatomic axis of the elbow. The primary therapeutic goal is to allow joint motion while protecting the healing ligaments. Common complications include pin loosening, injury to adjacent neurovascular structures, cellulitis, and loss of reduction. Although reported data are limited, this technique is a useful adjunct in patients with complex elbow instability.
ISSN:1067-151X
DOI:10.5435/00124635-200512000-00003