Neuroreflex Mechanisms of Action as Part of Physiotherapy in Distal Humerus Fractures in the Early Postoperative Period (original) (raw)

Management and Treatment of Elbow and Forearm Injuries

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, 2010

Orthopedic injuries to the upper extremity are frequently seen in the emergency department (ED). The emergency medicine practitioner (EP) must be proficient in recognizing these injuries and their associated complications, and be able to provide appropriate orthopedic management. This article highlights the most frequent forearm and elbow injuries seen in the ED. FOREARM ANATOMY Two bones form the forearm, the radius (lateral) and ulna (medial). The elbow capsule holds both bones together proximally while the anterior and posterior radioulnar ligaments carry out the same task in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The forearm muscles, pronator quadratus, pronator teres, and supinator also help maintain the unified movement of bones. The interosseous membrane further stabilizes both bones, while dividing the forearm into the flexor and extensor muscle compartments. The median nerve or its anterior interosseous branch innervates all the flexor muscles except for the flexor carpi ulnaris and the ulnar aspect of the flexor digitorum profundus, which are innervated by the ulnar nerve. The anterior interosseous nerve

Iatrogenic or fracture-related nerve injuries in supracondylar humerus fracture: is treatment necessary for nerve injury?

European review for medical and pharmacological sciences

Supracondylar humerus fractures are very common types of elbow fractures in children between the ages of three and ten years. Totally displaced supracondylar humerus fractures can be associated with neurovascular injuries, and treatment can be complicated by iatrogenic neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, malunion, and elbow stiffness. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical outcome of nerve injuries associated with supracondylar humerus fractures in children observed over a period of seven years. Children with displaced supracondylar humerus fracture who were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous cross K-wire fixation were reviewed retrospectively at the Medical School Hospital of Yuzuncu Yil University from May 2004 to October 2012. There were 91 patients available for follow-up. Nerve injury was observed in 11 (12.1%) of 91 patients with supracondylar humerus fractures. In 10 (90.1%) of these 11 cases, nerve functions recovered completely (excellent out...

Total elbow anthroplasty and distal humerus elbow fractures

Hand Clinics, 2004

The indications for total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) have expanded over the last few decades. The initial primary indication for TEA was inflammatory arthritis of the elbow; however, more recently there have been reports on the successful use of TEA for other clinical situations, such as post-traumatic or primary osteoarthritis, nonunion or malunion of the distal humerus, and comminuted distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. As the indications for TEA have expanded, unfortunately the incidence of complications and implant failure also has increased. In 1994 Kraay et al reported their cumulative survival of TEA for post-traumatic arthritis, fractures, or supracondylar nonunion at 3 and 5 years compared with a second group of TEA in patients with inflammatory arthritis. The cumulative survival in the first group was 73% and 53% at 3 and 5 years, respectively, compared with 92% and 90% for the inflammatory group. This has raised concerns for expanding indications of TEA beyond patients with inflammatory arthritis. This article addresses the issues around TEA in the setting of comminuted distal humerus fractures in elderly patients and provides a review of the recent literature on this subject.

Primäre totale Ellenbogenprothese zur Versorgung distaler Humerusfrakturen

Operative Orthopadie Und Traumatologie, 2005

Operationsziel Erreichen einer stabilen und schmerzfreien Funktion durch primäre Implantation einer totalen Ellenbogenprothese bei komplexen intraartikulären distalen Humerusfrakturen älterer Patienten. Indikationen Fraktur mit freien Fragmenten oder schlechter Knochenqualität, die eine stabile Osteosynthese nicht zulassen. Geschlossene, komplexe intraartikuläre distale Humerusfraktur (Typ C nach der AO-Klassifikation). Typ-A- und B-Fraktur des distalen Humerus bei Patienten mit vorbestehenden degenerativen Veränderungen, rheumatoiden Erkrankungen oder Voroperationen des Gelenks. Gute Mitarbeit des Patienten, geringer Funktionsanspruch, Patientenalter > 65 Jahre. Kontraindikationen Offene Frakturen (Typ II oder III nach Gustilo-Anderson). Infizierte Wundverhältnisse, offene Weichteilverletzungen. Fehlende Mitarbeit des Patienten, hoher Funktionalitätsanspruch, Patientenalter > 65 Jahre. Paralyse des Bizepsmuskels. Operationstechnik Rückenlagerung des Patienten. Dorsaler Zugang zum Ellenbogengelenk. Darstellen der medialen Anteile des Musculus triceps an der Insertion des dorsalen Humerus und der Gelenkkapsel, Abdrängen in Kontinuität mit dem ulnaren Periost und der Unterarmfaszie. Bei Entfernung des frakturierten distalen Anteils des Humerus kann der Ansatz des Musculus triceps belassen werden. Vorbereitung des Humerusschafts: Bei mehrfach frakturierten Kondylen ist eine Rekonstruktion nicht notwendig; intramedulläres Entfernen des Knochens von der medialen und lateralen suprakondylären Kante mit einer Fräse. Entfernen der Olekranonspitze. Knochenspananlagerung hinter der anterioren Lasche der humeralen Komponente. Einzementieren der humeralen und ulnaren Komponente. Nachresektion des Radiuskopfes bzw. Processus coronoideus bei Impingement der Gelenkfacetten. Transossäre Reinsertion des Musculus triceps am Olekranon. Weiterbehandlung Selbständige Bewegungsübungen. Vermeidung des Hebens von Gewichten > 5 kg, keine wiederholten Dauerbelastungen > 1 kg Gewicht und keine forcierten Bewegungen im Ellenbogengelenk, z. B. Schlagsportarten. Ergebnisse 49 Totalendoprothesen wurden bei 48 Patienten (Durchschnittsalter 67 Jahre) aufgrund distaler Humerusfrakturen eingesetzt. 43 Frakturen konnten nach einem Zeitraum von 7 Jahren nachuntersucht werden. Nach der AO-Klassifikation wurden fünf Typ- A , fünf Typ-B und 33 Typ-C Frakturen behandelt. Der durchschnittliche Bewegungsumfang lag zwischen 24° und 131°. Der „Mayo Elbow Performance Score“ betrug durchschnittlich 93. Die Komplikationen aller 49 Patienten wurden anhand der Akten erfasst. 32-mal bestanden im Verlauf keine Komplikationen. Insgesamt mussten zehn Revisionseingriffe durchgeführt werden, fünfmal war im Verlauf eine Revisionsarthroplastie erforderlich. Retrospektiv kann die Totalendoprothese des Ellenbogens in der Versorgung distaler Humerustrümmerfrakturen unter strenger Berücksichtigung der genannten Indikationen empfohlen werden. Objective Achieving stability and pain-free function for osteoporotic intraarticular multifragmentary fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients by primary total elbow replacement (TER). Indications Non-soft-tissue-attached fragments, poor-quality bone, where stable osteosynthesis is not attainable. Severely comminuted intraarticular closed type C fractures according to the AO classification with multiple small bone/cartilage fragments. In case of degenerative joint diseases and/or previous surgery in rheumatoid patients also type A and B fractures. High compliance, low demand, and old patient > 65 years. Contraindications Type II or III Gustilo-Anderson open fractures (primary irrigation and debridement). Preexisting infection, open wounds. Younger, high-demand or noncompliant patient. Paralysis of the biceps muscle. Surgical Technique Supine positioning of patient. Triceps-sparing dorsal approach. Elevation of medial aspect of the triceps from posterior aspect of the humerus and capsula, reflecting the triceps in continuity with the ulnar periosteum and the forearm fascia. If removal of distal part of the humerus, the triceps insertion can be left intact. Preparation of humerus: no reconstruction of multifractured condyles; excavate bone from medial and lateral supracondylar ridges with burr. Preparation of ulna: remove tip of olecranon. Cemented humeral and ulnar components. Bone graft interposition behind anterior flange of humeral component. Resection of radial head and coronoid process, if impingement after trial reduction. Triceps reattachment transosseous through olecranon. Postoperative Management No formal physical-therapy sessions. Avoid single-event weight lifting of > 5 kg and repetitive lifting of > 1 kg. Discourage playing racquets sports. Results 49 acute distal humeral fractures in 48 patients (average age: 67 years) were treated with TER. 43 fractures were followed at an average of 7 years. According to the AO classification, five fractures were type A, five type B, and 33 type C. The average flexion arc at follow-up was 24–131°, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score averaged 93. Data of complications were obtained from records in all 49 patients. 32 of the 49 elbows had neither a complication nor any further surgery from the time of the index arthroplasty to the most recent follow-up evaluation. Ten additional operative procedures, including five revision arthroplasties, were required. The retrospective review supports recommendation for TER for the treatment of an acute distal humeral fracture, when strict inclusion criteria are observed.

Open Elbow Arthrolysis for Post-traumatic Elbow Contracture

Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences, 2008

Background: Post-traumatic contracture is a common complication after elbow trauma. If conservative therapy fails to restore adequate elbow motion, arthrolysis is indicated. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcome of open arthrolysis for post-traumatic elbow contracture and to determine factors influencing the outcome. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with post-traumatic elbow contracture were followed-up after open arthrolysis for at least 12 months. Before surgery, the mean limitation in extension was 30° and the mean maximum flexion was 83°. A posterior surgical approach was used in 18 patients, and a lateral approach was employed in nine patients. Using the posterior approach, the fibrotic posterior capsule was excised and the ulnar collateral ligament was split. Both the anterior and posterior capsules were released with a lateral approach. Results: The mean flexion increased from 83° to 121°, but the mean extension improved little from-30° to-26°. The mean flexion-extension arc increased from 53° to 95°. According to the elbow evaluation score by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, both pain and function scales improved significantly. By Hertel's subjective evaluation, the results were good in 13 patients, fair in ten patients, and poor in four patients. Twenty-three patients (85 percent) were satisfied with the results, but four were not satisfied because of residual contracture. These poor results were related to severe soft tissue trauma, residual displacement of intra-articular fragments, and recurrence of heterotopic bone formation. Conclusions: Tendon lengthening of stiff triceps, accurate reduction of intra-articular fragmens, and sharp epiperiosteal resection around the heterotopic bones are essential procedures of open arthrolysis to restore adequate motion in post-traumatic elbow contracture.

Primary Total Elbow Replacement for Fractures of the Distal Humerus

Operative Orthopadie Und Traumatologie, 2005

Operationsziel Erreichen einer stabilen und schmerzfreien Funktion durch primäre Implantation einer totalen Ellenbogenprothese bei komplexen intraartikulären distalen Humerusfrakturen älterer Patienten. Indikationen Fraktur mit freien Fragmenten oder schlechter Knochenqualität, die eine stabile Osteosynthese nicht zulassen. Geschlossene, komplexe intraartikuläre distale Humerusfraktur (Typ C nach der AO-Klassifikation). Typ-A- und B-Fraktur des distalen Humerus bei Patienten mit vorbestehenden degenerativen Veränderungen, rheumatoiden Erkrankungen oder Voroperationen des Gelenks. Gute Mitarbeit des Patienten, geringer Funktionsanspruch, Patientenalter > 65 Jahre. Kontraindikationen Offene Frakturen (Typ II oder III nach Gustilo-Anderson). Infizierte Wundverhältnisse, offene Weichteilverletzungen. Fehlende Mitarbeit des Patienten, hoher Funktionalitätsanspruch, Patientenalter > 65 Jahre. Paralyse des Bizepsmuskels. Operationstechnik Rückenlagerung des Patienten. Dorsaler Zugang zum Ellenbogengelenk. Darstellen der medialen Anteile des Musculus triceps an der Insertion des dorsalen Humerus und der Gelenkkapsel, Abdrängen in Kontinuität mit dem ulnaren Periost und der Unterarmfaszie. Bei Entfernung des frakturierten distalen Anteils des Humerus kann der Ansatz des Musculus triceps belassen werden. Vorbereitung des Humerusschafts: Bei mehrfach frakturierten Kondylen ist eine Rekonstruktion nicht notwendig; intramedulläres Entfernen des Knochens von der medialen und lateralen suprakondylären Kante mit einer Fräse. Entfernen der Olekranonspitze. Knochenspananlagerung hinter der anterioren Lasche der humeralen Komponente. Einzementieren der humeralen und ulnaren Komponente. Nachresektion des Radiuskopfes bzw. Processus coronoideus bei Impingement der Gelenkfacetten. Transossäre Reinsertion des Musculus triceps am Olekranon. Weiterbehandlung Selbständige Bewegungsübungen. Vermeidung des Hebens von Gewichten > 5 kg, keine wiederholten Dauerbelastungen > 1 kg Gewicht und keine forcierten Bewegungen im Ellenbogengelenk, z. B. Schlagsportarten. Ergebnisse 49 Totalendoprothesen wurden bei 48 Patienten (Durchschnittsalter 67 Jahre) aufgrund distaler Humerusfrakturen eingesetzt. 43 Frakturen konnten nach einem Zeitraum von 7 Jahren nachuntersucht werden. Nach der AO-Klassifikation wurden fünf Typ- A , fünf Typ-B und 33 Typ-C Frakturen behandelt. Der durchschnittliche Bewegungsumfang lag zwischen 24° und 131°. Der „Mayo Elbow Performance Score“ betrug durchschnittlich 93. Die Komplikationen aller 49 Patienten wurden anhand der Akten erfasst. 32-mal bestanden im Verlauf keine Komplikationen. Insgesamt mussten zehn Revisionseingriffe durchgeführt werden, fünfmal war im Verlauf eine Revisionsarthroplastie erforderlich. Retrospektiv kann die Totalendoprothese des Ellenbogens in der Versorgung distaler Humerustrümmerfrakturen unter strenger Berücksichtigung der genannten Indikationen empfohlen werden. Objective Achieving stability and pain-free function for osteoporotic intraarticular multifragmentary fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients by primary total elbow replacement (TER). Indications Non-soft-tissue-attached fragments, poor-quality bone, where stable osteosynthesis is not attainable. Severely comminuted intraarticular closed type C fractures according to the AO classification with multiple small bone/cartilage fragments. In case of degenerative joint diseases and/or previous surgery in rheumatoid patients also type A and B fractures. High compliance, low demand, and old patient > 65 years. Contraindications Type II or III Gustilo-Anderson open fractures (primary irrigation and debridement). Preexisting infection, open wounds. Younger, high-demand or noncompliant patient. Paralysis of the biceps muscle. Surgical Technique Supine positioning of patient. Triceps-sparing dorsal approach. Elevation of medial aspect of the triceps from posterior aspect of the humerus and capsula, reflecting the triceps in continuity with the ulnar periosteum and the forearm fascia. If removal of distal part of the humerus, the triceps insertion can be left intact. Preparation of humerus: no reconstruction of multifractured condyles; excavate bone from medial and lateral supracondylar ridges with burr. Preparation of ulna: remove tip of olecranon. Cemented humeral and ulnar components. Bone graft interposition behind anterior flange of humeral component. Resection of radial head and coronoid process, if impingement after trial reduction. Triceps reattachment transosseous through olecranon. Postoperative Management No formal physical-therapy sessions. Avoid single-event weight lifting of > 5 kg and repetitive lifting of > 1 kg. Discourage playing racquets sports. Results 49 acute distal humeral fractures in 48 patients (average age: 67 years) were treated with TER. 43 fractures were followed at an average of 7 years. According to the AO classification, five fractures were type A, five type B, and 33 type C. The average flexion arc at follow-up was 24–131°, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score averaged 93. Data of complications were obtained from records in all 49 patients. 32 of the 49 elbows had neither a complication nor any further surgery from the time of the index arthroplasty to the most recent follow-up evaluation. Ten additional operative procedures, including five revision arthroplasties, were required. The retrospective review supports recommendation for TER for the treatment of an acute distal humeral fracture, when strict inclusion criteria are observed.