Introduction: Reconstruction of complex elbow fracture-dislocations represents one of the most troublesome and unpredictable procedures that orthopaedic surgeons face. Complex fracture-dislocations of the elbow can often be either irreducible or unstable, with an inability to hold the reduction or with the delayed development of subluxation or dislocation

Aim: To assess the Stability, Range of movement and complications of unstable elbow injuries.

Material & Methodology: The study comprised of 20 patients with unstable elbow injuries, treated by various methods of internal fixation with or without ligamentous reconstruction and with or without replacement, study period was from August 2016 to October 2017 at Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Chidambaram. Outcome analysed by MEPS score.   

Results: There were 20 cases with unstable elbow injuries. The mean duration of immobilisation was 25.5 (range, 17-38) days. After rehabilitation, the mean range of motion of the elbow improved to 130º flexion (24% recovery), 18º extension (35% recovery), 73º supination (142% recovery), and 85º pronation (25% recovery). The greatest gain in range of motion occurred within 3 to 4 months. Complications included heterotopic ossification, restricted joint stiffness, degenerative articular changes, skin necrosis.

Conclusion: Every fracture pattern needs to be managed differently which will give enough stability to start early mobilisation and each fracture pattern has separate complications which needs to be addressed individually.

Keywords: complex elbow fractures, outcome, various modalities of management.

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Dr P.Murali

Postgraduate in Orthopaedics,

Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital, Annamalai University