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Application of an Internal Joint Stabilizer for Delayed Fixation of a Terrible Triad Injury

March 01, 2020

Contributors: Charles Andrew Daly, MD; Alexander M Dawes, BS; Matthew Lunati, MD; Eric R Wagner, MD; Michael Brandon Gottschalk, MD, FAAOS

Keywords: Instability

Surgical fixation of terrible triad injuries is complex and requires multiple fixation steps to adequately attain elbow joint stability. The radial head, coronoid, and lateral collateral ligament must be evaluated and repaired. Various surgical treatment options are available to manage each aspect of a terrible triad injury; however, instability may persist after fixation. This video demonstrates the application of an internal joint stabilizer to manage persistent instability 3 weeks after surgical fixation of a terrible triad injury in a chronically dislocated elbow. In addition, the video outlines surgical treatment options for the management of terrible triad injuries, constructs used to improve stabilization after fixation, indications for the use of an internal joint stabilizer, and a brief review of the literature.