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Objective To evaluate the functional results of patients submitted to a surgical approach for the treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, analyzing the treatment methods used and associated epidemiological variables. Methods Patients who underwent surgical treatment for the terrible triad of the elbow from February 2018 to June 2020 at our service were evaluated. The identified sample consisted of 17 patients, but of these, only 13 completed all stages of the study and, therefore, were considered as the universe to be considered. Epidemiological information of interest was collected: age, sex, hand of dominance, affected side, characteristics and classification of injuries, trauma mechanism, time to surgery, type of procedure performed and range of motion. The Mason classification was used for radial head fractures and the Regan and Morrey classification for the coronoid process. In order to perform a functional analysis, the DASH and BRUCE questionnaires were applied. Results About 77% of the patients were male, 92% of the fracture mechanisms were due to high-energy trauma. Contrary to this, the predominance of the non-dominant side was observed as the most affected. Evaluating the results according to the time to start the treatment, the patients operated within 14 days had statistically better functional results. Conclusion Surgical treatment of TTIE generates acceptable functional results in most cases. The success of the treatment is related to the time interval between the trauma and the first surgery, in addition to the severity of the injuries.

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Abstract Objective To evaluate the functional results of patients submitted to a surgical approach for the treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, analyzing the treatment methods used and associated epidemiological variables. Methods Patients who underwent surgical treatment for the terrible triad of the elbow from February 2018 to June 2020 at our service were evaluated. The identified sample consisted of 17 patients, but of these, only 13 completed all stages of the study and, therefore, were considered as the universe to be considered. Epidemiological information of interest was collected: age, sex, hand of dominance, affected side, characteristics and classification of injuries, trauma mechanism, time to surgery, type of procedure performed and range of motion. The Mason classification was used for radial head fractures and the Regan and Morrey classification for the coronoid process. In order to perform a functional analysis, the DASH and BRUCE questionnaires were applied. Results About 77% of the patients were male, 92% of the fracture mechanisms were due to high-energy trauma. Contrary to this, the predominance of the non-dominant side was observed as the most affected. Evaluating the results according to the time to start the treatment, the patients operated within 14 days had statistically better functional results. Conclusion Surgical treatment of TTIE generates acceptable functional results in most cases. The success of the treatment is related to the time interval between the trauma and the first surgery, in addition to the severity of the injuries.

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Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados funcionais dos pacientes submetidos a abordagem cirúrgica para o tratamento da tríade terrível do cotovelo, analisando os métodos de tratamento utilizados e variáveis epidemiológicas associadas. Métodos Foram avaliados pacientes submetidos aotratamento cirúrgico de tríade terrível do cotovelo de fevereiro de 2018 a junho de 2020 em nosso serviço. A amostra identificada foi de 17 pacientes, mas destes apenas 13 concluíram todas as etapas das pesquisas e por isso foram considerados como o universo a ser levado em consideração. Coletou-se informações epidemiológicas de interesse: idade, sexo, dominância, lado acometido, características e classificações das lesões, mecanismo do trauma, tempo para cirurgia, tipo de procedimento realizado e o arco de movimento. Foi utilizada a classificação de Mason para a fratura de cabeça do rádio e a de Regan e Morrey, para o processo coronoide. A fim de realizar uma análise funcional, aplicou-se os questionários de DASH e BRUCE. Resultados Cerca de 77% dos pacientes foram do sexo masculino, 92% dos mecanismos de fratura foram por trauma de alta energia. Contrariamente a esta, observou-se a predominância do lado não dominante como o mais afetado. Avaliando os resultados de acordo com o tempo para início do tratamento, os pacientes operados em até 14 dias obtiveram resultados funcionais estatisticamente melhores. Conclusão O tratamento cirúrgico da TTC gera resultados funcionais aceitáveis na maioria dos casos. O sucesso do tratamento está relacionado ao intervalo de tempo entre o trauma e a primeira cirurgia, além de se relacionar com a gravidade das lesões.

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Cúbito/lesiones , Articulación del Codo , Lesiones de Codo , Fracturas Radiales de Cabeza y Cuello

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Elbow fracture dislocations represent difficult injuries to treat, with a high percentage of complications. Classically, they are divided into posterolateral, posteromedial and transulnar pattern. It is essential to distinguish them to guide intraoperative treatment to achieve an anatomic and stable reduction that allows early mobility. METHODS: A retrospective study of 89 adult patients diagnosed with elbow fracture dislocations who underwent a standardized surgery between 2013 and 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Demographic data, characteristics of the injury, and associated procedures were collected. Patients were evaluated with functional scores (Mayo elbow performance score/Broberg and Morrey score) and ranges of movement at the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age was 41 ± 12 years, mostly men (82%), with an average follow-up of 29 months. We present 42 patients with posterolateral fracture dislocation (47%), 21 posteromedial (24%) and 26 transulnar (29%). The average range of motion at the end of follow-up was -12 ± 11° extension, 124 ± 20° flexion, 76 ± 16° pronation, and 73 ± 20° supination, with a Mayo elbow performance score of 88.7 ± 12 points and 87.2 ± 12 points in the Broberg and Morrey scale. Reoperation rate was 23%, with no infection or heterotopic ossification cases. Transulnar fracture dislocations have significantly worse extension and supination. As per the functional result (Mayo elbow performance score/Broberg and Morrey scale), there are no significant differences between the different patterns. CONCLUSION: Proper injury pattern recognition and a standardized surgical management lead to a stable joint and good results in range of motion. Functional results are encouraging at least at short term, despite the high reoperations rate.

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BACKGROUND: To evaluate the sustainability of the early clinical and radiological outcomes of terrible triad injuries at long-term follow-up. METHODS: Twelve consecutive patients who underwent fixation of terrible triad injuries with minimum of seven years of follow-up. Functional and radiological outcomes at one year and final follow-up were compared. We assessed Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Quick-Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand, and modified-American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores. Radiological evaluation included Broberg and Morrey classification and Hastings classification for heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 55 years, with a median follow-up of 9.3 years. At final evaluation, mean flexion, extension, supination, and pronation were 145°, 6°, 82°, and 80°, respectively; mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score, modified-American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores, and Quick-Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand scores were, respectively, 97, 92, and 4.9 points. There was no statistical difference between early and final follow-up range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Quick-Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand. However, radiological changes were observed in 66% of the patients at final follow-up. Two patients underwent reoperation, with final satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that using a standardized protocol, satisfactory clinical outcomes at early follow-up could be maintained over time. However, early complications and osteoarthritic changes at long-term follow-up can be expected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV Cases series.