Introduction Injuries to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) of the elbow can be caused by simple elbow dislocations as well as complex trauma, or unfortunately, from iatrogenic injury. Simple elbow dislocations can often be treated successfully with bracing and…
Introduction The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated joint in the human body after the shoulder joint. This is likely to be due to the relatively small surface area of the joint, the short working length of stabilizing structures,…
Introduction Articular fractures of the distal humerus are treated most successfully with operative intervention in order to restore function. Despite advances in plating constructs, these fractures can be difficult to fix and failures can result in a high reoperation rate.…
Indications Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is recommended for the majority of medically stable patients with displaced distal humerus fractures. In selected cases, nonsurgical management or total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) may be preferred. You’re Reading a Preview Become a…
Introduction While rare, fractures of the distal humerus are complex and have always created unique challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Until the second half of the 20th century, most of these fractures could not be reliably fixed and therefore were treated…
Indications Most humeral shaft fractures can be effectively managed without surgery utilizing functional bracing. However, displaced or comminuted humeral shaft fractures, fractures with extension into the proximal humerus, and patients following polytrauma with multiple extremity fractures may benefit from surgical…
Indications Surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures is indicated after inadequate closed reduction, polytrauma, open fractures, bilateral injuries, and ipsilateral forearm fractures requiring surgical intervention. Excessive body mass index (BMI) or habitus forces the humerus into an unacceptable varus posture…
Indications The majority of isolated humeral shaft fractures can be managed nonoperatively. It is widely accepted that acute, closed, isolated fractures in a cooperative, ambulatory patient will achieve union with nonoperative management without a significant angular deformity or any functional…
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Introduction Fractures of the humeral shaft represent 1% to 3% of all fractures and have an annual incidence of 4.5 per 100,000 patients. The distribution of fractures follows a bimodal distribution with peaks occurring in the seventh and third decades…