Introduction The osseous and soft tissue constraints of the elbow create a stable articulation with four functional degrees of freedom: flexion, extension, supination, and pronation. Varus and valgus freedom is negligible for functional purposes. The added degrees of freedom afforded…
Introduction Interest in and use of external fixators has waxed and waned over the years. I continue to use this device to allow motion and simultaneously (1) maintain a reduced and balanced ulnohumeral joint, (2) protect repaired or reconstructed collateral…
Introduction Isolated fracture of the capitellum is discussed in detail in Chapter 46 . Fractures primarily involving the articular surface of the capitellum and trochlea are often shearing in nature and involve fracture of the lateral epicondyle and impaction of…
Introduction The capitellar fracture of the humerus is a relatively uncommon injury but can result in significant functional impairment if not appropriately treated. Since its first description in 1841 by Cooper, the fracture has been recognized as an articular fracture…
Introduction Distal humerus fractures represent a very challenging injury. For years, these injuries were universally treated using relatively unstable internal fixation (wires or unstable plate constructs), which led to a substantial rate of poor outcomes secondary to nonunion, stiffness, or…
General Considerations Introduction Distal humerus fractures in adults consist of a variety of fracture patterns involving a specific anatomic region. As a result of pattern variation, different surgical procedures must be considered for optimal results. Controversy exists regarding the surgical…
Introduction Fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna occur on the injury spectrum of complex elbow instability (see Chapter 36 ). Thus, associated bone and ligament injuries are the rule with coronoid fractures, and many of the topics contained…
Introduction The subcutaneous location of the olecranon makes it vulnerable to trauma. Isolated fractures of the olecranon comprise approximately 10% of fractures about the elbow, with an estimated incidence of 1.08 per 10,000 person-years. Most result from low-energy trauma such…
Introduction Forearm instability is a complex and debilitating condition. The term Essex-Lopresti injury refers to injuries consisting of fracture of the radial head with longitudinal disruption of the interosseous membrane (IOM) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This instability has been…
Unfortunately, a number of patients treated for a radial head fracture according to the principles described in previous chapters will not do well and may require further surgery. Management of these patients will be different depending on the nature of…