Current concepts in elbow fracture dislocation. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watts, Adam C; Singh, Jagwant; Elvey, Michael; Hamoodi, Zaid
• Is Part Of: Shoulder & elbow. Volume 13:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 451
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Elbow fracture dislocation -- elbow instability -- management; Elbow -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Elbow -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Shoulder -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Shoulder -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Shoulder -- Periodicals; Elbow -- Periodicals; Shoulder Joint -- Periodicals; Elbow Joint -- Periodicals; 617.572005
• DOI: 10.1177/1758573219884010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-5732

Abstract

Background: Elbow fracture dislocations are complex injuries that can provide a challenge for experienced surgeons. Current classifications fail to provide a comprehensive system that encompasses all of the elements and patterns seen in elbow fracture dislocations. Methods: The commonly used elbow fracture dislocation classifications are reviewed and the three-column concept of elbow fracture dislocation is described. This concept is applied to the currently recognised injury patterns and the literature on management algorithms. Results: Current elbow fracture dislocation classification systems only describe one element of the injury, or only include one pattern of elbow fracture dislocation. A new comprehensive classification system based on the three-column concept of elbow fracture dislocation is presented with a suggested algorithm for managing each injury pattern. Discussion: The three-column concept may improve understanding of injury patterns and treatment and leads to a comprehensive classification of elbow fracture dislocations with algorithms to guide treatment.