Introduction Instability is a major problem at the elbow and some forms of the problem are reviewed in Chapter 32, Chapter 35, Chapter 36, Chapter 41, Chapter 49 . Chronic unreduced dislocation discussed herein is very uncommon in the United…
General Considerations Nonunion of proximal ulna fractures is relatively uncommon with current osteosynthesis techniques. One 2008 series reported 2 of the 62 cases (3%) with olecranon fractures who had nonunions after fixation by tension band wiring techniques. Although this problem…
Introduction Nonunion and malunion are two of the most common and challenging complications of distal humerus fractures. Newer internal fixation principles and techniques have improved our ability to achieve stable fixation of complex distal humerus fractures (see Chapter 44, Chapter…
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…