Information for Patients
From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Fracturas de los codos en los niños (Elbow Fractures in Children)
Complex Elbow Instability Fracture-Dislocation
The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated joint in adults. Complex instability of the elbow represents a spectrum of injuries defined by disruption of the capsuloligamentous restraints and articular elements of the elbow. The mechanism of elbow dislocation has traditionally been felt to occur as a result of a hyperextension force across the elbow. This mechanism fails to fully explain the pattern of soft-tissue and bony injuries associated with elbow dislocations. The management of complex elbow instability requires a full understanding of the biomechanics of the elbow and the articular and soft-tissue contributions to elbow stability. The principles of nonsurgical and surgical management of complex elbow instability are reviewed extensively.
Keywords: elbow fracture, broken elbow, elbow dislocation, dislocated elbow, fracture dislocation of the elbow, complex elbow dislocation, coronoid process fracture, olecranon fracture, radial head fracture, radial neck fracture, terrible triad of the elbow, incidence, mechanism of injury, etiology, classification, O'Driscoll classification, Reagan-Morrey classification, Mayo classification, Mason classification, Hotchkiss classification, diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, imaging, radiography, management, nonsurgical treatment, immobilization, extension block splinting, surgical treatment, open reduction, internal fixation, plate fixation, hinged external fixation, radial head excision, ligamentous repair, ligamentous reconstruction, indications, contraindications