Abstract
PURPOSE : This study analyzed clinical and biomechanical data from patients with
elbow fracture dislocation to correlate long-term objective result with the specific injury
type and treatment rendered. This can provide a basis for the management of this
difficult injuries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS : Fifteen patients with elbow dislocation were studied from
October, 1992 to October, 1997 in Sang-Gye Paik Hospital. The average duration of
follow up was 4.2 years.
RESULTS : On the basis of an objective functional grading score that included elements
of pain, motion, strength, and stability, the results were excellent in five(33%), good in
five(33%), fair in one(7%), poor in four(27%). Prolonged immobilization greater than four
weeks was associated with poor results. The results were closely related to the
combined injuries and duration of immobilization. In case of radial head fractures, the
best result was obtained in patients with Mason type II fractures treated by open
reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screw and early complete radial head
excision.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION : The most common combined injury is radial head fracture.
Early complete radial head excision and encouraging early ROM had more satisfactory
result than delayed radial head excision or internal Fixation for Mason type III fracture.