Morrey Elbow Score Research Articles

Polylactide pins can effectively fix severely comminuted and unsalvageable radial head fracture: A retrospective study of 40 patients

BackgroundThe treatment of comminuted unsalvageable radial head fracture remains controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation with metallic plates and screws are hard to achieve. Conventional techniques include radial head resection and arthroplasty. Both methods have inevitable complications. The purpose of this retrospective study is to prove the feasibility of treating unsalvageable radial head fractures with absorbable polylactide pins. MethodsA total of 17 patients with severely comminuted Mason type III radial head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using polylactide pins and 23 with metallic plates and screws. Patients receiving both modalities were followed-up for a mean of 24 months (standard deviation SD: 2.6). Radiographic analysis was conducted 2, 30, 60, and 120 days after surgery. Measurements of range of motion (ROM), disability of arm shoulder and hands, Mayo elbow performance score, and Broberg and Morrey elbow score were recorded, with treatments compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. ResultBy the time of last follow up, All fractures in both groups healed successfully. The duration (134 min SD:21 min to 131 min SD:19 min) and blood loss (121 ml SD: 25 ml to 124 ml SD: 27 ml) during surgery of polylactide pin and metallic implant group have no statistical differences. The MEPI score (91 SD:7 to 94 SD:9), the Broberg and Morrey score (93 SD:3 to 93 SD:5), the DASH outcome measures (4.5 SD: 3.0 to 3.7 SD: 3.5), the range of motion also shows no statistical differences. Complications were infrequent and did not cause disability in both groups. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. ConclusionPolylactide pins can feasibly treat severely comminuted radial head fractures, which usually are considered unreducible. This technique provides an optional treatment plan in addition to resection or arthroplasty, especially for young patients that refuse that form of treatment.

Outcome of intramedullary pinning of isolated radial neck fractures in adulthood

The treatment of radial neck fractures is controversial and typically depends on displacement. Surgical procedures based on open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) may lead to several complications, such as avascular necrosis of the radial head, nonunion, malunion, and elbow stiffness. Closed reduction with intramedullary pinning of radial neck fractures, which is commonly used in children, is a viable option for these fractures in adults and may allow for a lower complication rate compared with ORIF. The aim of this study was to report the functional outcome of closed reduction and intramedullary stabilization in isolated radial neck fractures. Fourteen cases were retrospectively reviewed between January 2007 and December 2016. The inclusion criteria were isolated radial neck fractures of type I to III according to the Mason classification, absence of previous injuries of the elbow, and a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. The Mason classification was used to classify these injuries. At final follow-up, functional assessment was established based on functional scores: Morrey Elbow Score, Elbow Self-Assessment Score, and QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score. Range of motion was evaluated similarly. The mean follow-up period was 86 months. The mean age was 44.2 years. Regarding the functional outcome, 78% of patients claimed satisfaction. Concerning the functional scoring, the mean visual analog scale score was 0.2 (range, 0-4) and the mean Morrey Elbow Score was 95.7 (range, 85-100). The mean QuickDASH score was 6.4 (range, 7-22). The complication rate was 35%. Malunion was observed in 7% of patients. Intramedullary pinning of radial neck fractures represents a viable technique in adults because of its safety and simplicity. The complication rates are lower than those in other reports of ORIF.

Efficacy of internal fixation with mini plate and internal fixation with hollow screw for Regan-Morrey type II and III ulna coronoid fractures

BackgroundUlna coronoid fracture is a complicated injury and occurred in the coronal plane. Undeniably, there is no universally accepted approach for treating ulna coronoid fractures. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the efficacy of different surgical treatments for Regan-Morrey type II and III ulna coronoid fractures.MethodsA total of 164 patients with ulna coronoid fractures were admitted and treated in department of orthopedics at Yiwu Central Hospital, the Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University for retrospective analysis. The baseline features (age, gender, time from injury to surgery and so on) before the surgery and different conditions during the surgery were compared. Following that, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score was employed to evaluate the severity of preoperative and postoperative pain experienced by the patients in each group. Afterwards, Broberg and Morrey elbow score was used to evaluate elbow joint function and surgical effect of the patients. Lastly, the postoperative recovery and complications were compared.ResultsIt was firstly observed that internal fixation with mini plate and hollow screw compelled to lower average operation time and blood loss than Kirschner wire and steel wire suture. Next, the severity of postoperative pain was lessened in comparison with preoperative pain. Afterwards, mini plate and hollow screw improved elbow joint function more notable than Kirschner wire and steel wire suture, and Kirschner wire and steel wire suture resulted in higher incidence of complications and worse postoperative recovery.ConclusionCollectively, this study clarified that for the treatment of Regan-Morrey type II and III ulna coronoid fractures, internal fixation with mini plate and hollow screw has an overall superior surgical effect than internal fixation with Kirschner wire and steel wire suture.

The outcome of interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures, a one year hospital based study

Background: The outcome of interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures is controversial Variations in implants, operative technique and follow-up parameters hinder comparative studies. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the humeral nailing system according to clinical results, and to recognise advantages and disadvantages of interlocking. Methods: A total of 30 humeral shaft fractures were treated with an Antegrade interlocking humeral nail. Results: At 12-month follow-up, bone consolidation was present in 30 cases; in 1 case complications developed. Constant shoulder score, mean Morrey elbow score, SF-12 physical score or SF-12 mental score. Conclusion: Antegrade interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures can result in good functional outcome and unimpaired quality of life. Compression interlocking can minimise the fracture gap and increase the biomechanical stiffness. Potential disadvantages of compression interlocking include possible bending or loosening of the locking screw in the dynamic oblong hole.

Reduction and stabilization of radial neck fractures by intramedullary pinning: a technique not only for children.

BackgroundIsolated radial neck fractures occur only in rare cases. The majority of cases are non-displaced or minimally displaced and can be treated conservatively. Conservative treatment, however, might result in secondary displacement and/or malunion. On the other hand, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as standard surgical approach in adults is associated with non-union, implant-related complications and reduced range of motion. For isolated radial neck fractures with an intact radial head, the procedure of centromedullary pinning—as widely used in the treatment of paediatric radial neck fractures—might be an alternative operative technique in adults as well. The purpose of this retrospective case series therefore was to evaluate the functional outcome of radial neck fractures treated by intramedullary pinning.MethodsBetween 02/2009 and 12/2014, a total of eight patients with isolated radial neck fractures (Mason type-III; Judet Type II and III) were treated with centromedullary pinning using titanium elastic nails (TEN). The mean age of the patients was 39 years (range 23–90 years) with a mean interval from injury to surgery of 2.9 days (range 1–7 days). Subjective and objective criteria included patient’s satisfaction, pain rating on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and active range of motion (ROM) compared to the contralateral armside. Functional scoring included the Morrey Elbow Score (MEPS), the QuickDASH and the Elbow Self Assessment Score (ESAS). Furthermore, follow-up radiographs were evaluated.ResultsSeven of the eight patients were available for follow-up after a mean of 36 months (range 6–64 months). Patients’ satisfaction was rated very good in four cases, good in two cases and sufficient in one case. An unrestricted active ROM compared to the contralateral side for extension-flexion arc and for pronation-supination-arc with full strength was rated in all cases. The Elbow Self Assessment Score was 98.52 ± 1.95 (range 96–100), the calculated Mayo elbow performance score was 95.71 ± 7.32 (range 85–100) and the QuickDASH score was 6.81 ± 10.42 (range 0–27). There were no complications as infection, non-union, heterotopic ossifications or secondary loss of reduction of the radial head. Only one patient complained about pain resulting from an affection of the superficial radial nerve.ConclusionIn the present cohort, good to excellent results without relevant complications were seen. The technique of intramedullary pinning as described in the treatment of isolated radial neck fractures in children represents a suitable and reliable method in adults as well. In selected cases, this technique can be recommended as an alternative, minimal-invasive approach to the radial head plate osteosynthesis.

Scaphoid fracture combined with triangular fibrocartilage injury and radial head fracture: a new type of forearm injury triad

Objective To introduce a new triad of forearm injury: scaphoid fracture, triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) injury and radial head fracture, and discuss the similarities and differences comparing to Essex-Lopresti injury. Methods Six male patients of closed forearm injuries treated from October 2011 to May 2013 were involved in this study. They all had scaphoid and radial head fractures on the same side. Wrist arthroscopic examination was carried out in 3 cases that revealed injury to the radial rim of the TFC. One case had olecranon fracture on the contralateral side, while 5 cases had no other accompanying fractures.Two cases were non-surgically treated, while 4 cases were surgically managed where the scaphoid fracture was treated with percutaneous compressive cannulated screw fixation, and the laceration or perforation at the radial rim of the TFC revealed under wrist arthroscopy in 3 cases was treated with arthroscopic debridement. The radial head fracture in 3 cases was categorized as Mason type Ⅰ and treated with splint immobilization. Open reduction and internal fixation was used in 1 case of Mason type Ⅱ radial head fracture. Results All 6 patients were follow-up for 12 to 24 months. The mean follow-up period was 17 months. Fracture union was achieved in all six patients. Clinical evaluations using modified Mayo wrist scoring system and modified Morrey elbow score revealed excellent wrist and elbow functional results in all the patients. Conclusion Comparing to the typical Essex-Lopresti injury, the reported new triad of forearm injury has subtler clinical manifestations due to the relatively low energy impact despite of the similar injury mechanisms. Consequently, misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis is more likely to happen. Successful outcomes rely on prompt diagnosis and proper treatment. Key words: Scaphoid bone; Radius; Fractures, bone; Triangular fibrocartilage

Nonoperative Management of Displaced Olecranon Fractures in Low-Demand Elderly Patients

The aim of this study was to document both the short and the long-term outcomes following primary nonoperative management of isolated displaced fractures of the olecranon. We identified, from our prospective trauma database, all patients who had been managed nonoperatively for a displaced olecranon fracture over a thirteen-year period. Inclusion criteria included all isolated fractures of the olecranon with >2-mm displacement of the articular surface. The primary short-term outcome measure was the Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score. The primary long-term outcome measure was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. There were forty-three patients with a mean age of seventy-six years (range, forty to ninety-eight years) in the study cohort. A low-energy fall from a standing height accounted for 84% of all injuries, and one or more comorbidities were documented in thirty-eight patients (88%). At a mean of four months (range, 1.5 to ten months) following injury, the mean Broberg and Morrey score was 83 points (range, 48 to 100 points), with 72% of the patients having an excellent or good short-term outcome. No patient underwent surgery for a symptomatic nonunion. At a mean of six years (range, two to fifteen years) postinjury, the mean DASH score was 2.9 points (range, 0 to 33.9 points) and the mean Oxford Elbow Score was 47 points (range, 42 to 48 points); 91% (twenty-one) of twenty-three patients available for follow-up expressed satisfaction with the result of the procedure. We found satisfactory short-term and long-term outcomes following the nonoperative management of isolated displaced olecranon fractures in older, lower-demand patients.

The functional outcome of forty-nine single-incision suture anchor repairs for distal biceps tendon ruptures at the elbow

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional results of distal biceps tendon repair using suture anchors via a single-incision approach. Forty-nine patients were re-examined at a mean follow-up of 44.2 ± 32.1 months (range, 12-119 months). Subjective and objective criteria included patient's satisfaction, active range of motion (ROM), maximum isometric strength in flexion (at 45° and 90°), and supination of both arms. Functional scoring included the Morrey elbow score (MES) and the QuickDASH. Furthermore, follow-up radiographs were performed. Eighty-six percent of patients were highly satisfied or satisfied with their outcome. Compared to contralateral, the active ROM of elbow flexion, extension, and pronation was not affected; however, supination was decreased by 3° (P < 0.001). The isometric maximum strengths showed significant deficits in all tested scenarios (at 45°, P = 0.002; at 90°, P < 0.001; for supination, P < 0.001). The MES and the QuickDASH were 97.2 ± 4.9 and 7.9 ± 13.9, respectively. Heterotopic ossifications (HO) were found in 39% of patients; however, with respect to scores and strength, no significant differences were seen compared to patients without HO. Moreover, four anchor failures were detected. Single-incision suture anchor repair provides high patient's satisfaction and good results with respect to ROM and functional scoring. Nevertheless, based on presented data, the patient has to be informed of postoperative HO and especially for supination strength weakness after surgery. Distal biceps tendon repair should be reserved for experienced upper extremity surgeons to avoid procedure-related complications.

Newly defined fracture pattern specific to Mason III radial head fractures: fracture description, management and outcomes using screw fixation

Radial head fractures are the most common type of elbow fracture and are universally classified under the Mason classification system. Mason type III fractures are comminuted and are the most difficult to treat, generally requiring plating if possible, or more commonly arthroplasty or excision, which gives a variable outcome. We hypothesized that a new and specific fracture pattern of the radial head (Mason III) can be treated successfully with screw fixation. Six patients presented to the senior surgeon's clinic with this unusual Mason III fracture pattern. In these patients, the fracture was acute, requiring an open reduction and internal fixation with the use of three headless compression screws. Average follow-up time was 21 months. Using serial X-rays and the Broberg-Morrey elbow score, the six acute fractures were evaluated radiologically and functionally. All six patients had good to excellent results using the Broberg-Morrey scoring system. All patients showed radiological and clinical union within 3 months of injury. No patient required revision surgery or excision at a later date. We have recognized a specific type of comminuted and displaced Mason III radial head fracture that has not previously been described in the literature. This type of fracture is amenable to open reduction internal fixation with buried compression screws giving a good to excellent outcome, while avoiding the common consequences seen with a radial head excision, arthroplasty or plate fixation.

Reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament plus radial head resection in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow for young patients

Objective To observe the results of medial collateral ligament reconstruction plus radial head resection in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow for young patients. Methods From November 2005 to October 2009,3 cases of terrible triad of the elbow were treated in our hospital. The radial head fractures were classified in type Ⅲ according to Mason classification. All patients underwent coronoid fixation, collateral ligament and joint capsule repair, medial collateral ligament reconstruction and radial head resection. Postoperatively Kirschner wire and the plaster was applied for elbow stabilization for 3 weeks after operation, in position with elbow flexion in 90 degrees and forearm rotation in neutral, and then removal of Kirschner wire and the plaster. Then physical exercise and rehabilitation program were carried out. Results 3 patients were followed up for more than 1 year with fracture healing. The functional outcome in 3 cases was excellent in 2 and good in 1 according to Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score. Conclusion It is exceptionally important of the reconstruction of collateral ligaments and joint capsule in the treatment of elbow terrible triad associated with radial head comminuted fracture for young patients. Radial head replacement should be cautious. Radial head resection under the premise of satisfactory ligament reconstruction does not cause significant elbow dysfunction. Key words: Terrible triad of the elbow; Reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament; Radial head resection

단순 혹은 주관절 주위 손상을 동반한 소두 골절의 수술적 치료

Purpose: We wanted to assess the radiological and clinical results and the prognostic factors after an operation for capitellar fractures associated with/without other injury around the elbow. Materials and Methods: Among the 25 patients (mean age: 49 years-old) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for capitellar fractures, there were nineteen type 1 fractures and six type 3 fractures. The mean follow up period was 14.8 months. We assessed the factors affecting the radiological and functional results, such as the fracture pattern, the patient age and the surgical approaches. Results: In 24 of 25 patients, bony union was achieved at postoperative 1 year. There were eighteen excellent, four good, two fair and one poor functional results according to the Broberg and Morrey elbow score. The most common type was type 1 and the most common associated injury was lateral condylar fracture. The patients with type 1 fracture rather than the patients with type 3 fracture and the patients who had an extraarticular associated fracture rather than an intraarticular associated fracture had better clinical outcomes. Conclusion: 22 (88%) of the patients were satisfied at the result. The type of capitellar fracture and an associated intraarticular elbow fracture were shown to be important prognostic factors in this study.

Olecranon fracture fixation with a new implant: Biomechanical and clinical considerations

This study aims to describe the first clinical results in the treatment of dislocated olecranon fractures with 2.2-mm, fine-threaded wires with a washer. Furthermore, in the second part of the article, the stability of these new implants has been compared to standard tension band wiring in a sawbone model. Patients The radiological and clinical outcomes in 24 patients (mean age: 53.6 years) with 24 isolated Mayo type I and II fractures of the olecranon were evaluated in a prospective study after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a new fixation device (FFS; Orthofix™). The quality of reduction with the implementation of 24 FFS constructions was compared with 24 tension band-wiring procedures performed by six different surgeons in a standard sawbone Mayo type IIa fracture model. Stability was tested in all constructs using a single cycle load to failure protocol (group I), cyclic loading for 300 cycles between 10 and 500 N (group II) and incremental sinusoidal loading from 10 to 200 N with an incremental increase of 10 N per cycle (group III) in a laboratory study. Results The Morrey elbow score was excellent in 23 patients and good in one patient, with mean DASH score of 1.6. No implant migration, secondary dislocation or nonunion was observed. In the sawbone model, the quality of reduction was the same with the FFS implants compared to the tension band wiring in the sawbone model. Here, bending moments in all three groups showed no significant difference, whereas displacement at failure was significantly greater in the tension band-wiring group at a single cycle load ( p = 0.017). Conclusion Clinical results were comparable to tension band wiring and stability of the implants in the sawbone model was the same; thus, we conclude that the FFS technique can serve as an alternative treatment option for isolated olecranon fractures.

Results of the T2 humeral nailing system with special focus on compression interlocking

The outcome of interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures is controversial. Variations in implants, operative technique and follow-up parameters hinder comparative studies. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the T2 humeral nailing system according to clinical results, and to recognise advantages and disadvantages of compression interlocking. A total of 36 consecutive humeral shaft fractures were treated with an interlocking humeral nail. In 23 cases the antegrade and in 14 cases the retrograde approach was used. Compression locking was performed in 21 and static locking in 15 cases. At 22-month follow-up, bone consolidation was present in 35 cases; in 5 cases complications developed. There was no significant difference between compression and static locking nor between the antegrade and retrograde approach regarding complications, Constant shoulder score, mean Morrey elbow score, SF-12 physical score or SF-12 mental score. Antegrade and retrograde interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures with the T2 nailing system can result in good functional outcome and unimpaired quality of life. Compression interlocking can minimise the fracture gap and increase the biomechanical stiffness. Potential disadvantages of compression interlocking include possible bending or loosening of the locking screw in the dynamic oblong hole. An additional static locking screw should be used on the humerus after compression interlocking.

Reconstruction of Mason type-III and type-IV radial head fractures with a new fixation device: 23 patients followed 1–4 years

Background Treatment options in radial head fractures of Mason types III and IV range from open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to radial head resection with or without prosthetic replacement.Patients In a prospective study, the radiographic and clinical outcome was evaluated in 23 patients (age median 51 years) with 23 complex radial head fractures median 2 (1–4) years after ORIF using a new fixation device (FFS; Orthofix). 14 Mason type-III fractures with 2 concomitant olecranon fractures and 1 ulnar nerve lesion, and 11 type-IV fractures with 2 olecranon fractures and 2 fractures of the coronoid process were treated. 2 patients were lost to follow-up. In 7 cases of joint instability, an elbow fixator with motion capacity was applied after ORIF of the radial head.Results No radial head resection was necessary. No secondary dislocations or nonunion occurred. The Morrey elbow score was excellent in 8 and good in 4 Mason type-III fractures and excellent in 5, good in 3, and fair in 3 Mason type-IV fractures.Interpretation Reconstruction of comminuted radial head fractures can be performed with this device and radial head resection can be avoided.

Biodegradable implants versus standard metal fixation for displaced radial head fractures. A prospective, randomized, multicenter study

This multicenter, prospective, randomized study compares the use of biodegradable polylactide pins with standard metal mini-fragment implants for the treatment of displaced radial head fractures. It compares complication rates and clinical outcomes of both treatment methods. At 2 years, 135 (82%) of 164 patients were available for evaluation. Equivalence of treatment method was defined as a difference of 10% or less in the number of complication-free patients. Functional status was assessed by using the Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score and compared by an unpaired t test. Good or excellent clinical results were achieved by 92% (56/61) of the control patients and 96% (71/74) of the polylactide patients. The incidence of complication-free patients was 3.7% less in the polylactide group than in the control group. The 1-sided 95% confidence interval for the treatment difference between the 2 groups was more than -6.1%. Biodegradable polylactide pins have at least comparable outcomes as standard metal implants for the internal fixation of reconstructable displaced radial head fractures.

The effect of comorbidity and duration of nonunion on outcome after surgical treatment for nonunion of the humerus

The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of comorbidity and duration of nonunion on the general health status and joint-specific outcome of a group of patients treated for nonunion of the humeral shaft. We identified 25 consecutive patients with nonunion of the humeral shaft, all treated with compression plating and bone grafting. Twenty-one patients returned for a comprehensive assessment including completion of the SF 36 Health Status Survey and determination of the Constant shoulder and Morrey elbow scores. Thirteen patients had ≥1 comorbid conditions. Eleven patients had a nonunion of >8 months' duration, and 10 had a nonunion of <8 months' duration. Follow-up at a mean of 42 months (range 12 to 99 months) revealed that all nonunions united an average of 5 months after surgery. The mean Morrey elbow score was 94, Constant shoulder score 82, and “global” SF 36 score 59.4. The physical portion of the SF 36 score correlated will with the Constant and Morrey scores (p = 0.047 and p = 0.027, respectively). The presence of comorbid factors had a significant negative effect on the SF 36 scores (p = 0.001) but no effect on joint-specific Morrey or Constant scores. The duration of nonunion had no effect on SF 36 or joint-specific scores. Although the reliability of the SF 36 is illustrated by the close correlation between its “physical function” portion and standard (joint-specific) outcome measures, comorbidity has a significant negative effect on overall scores. This must be considered when such tools are used for assessment of orthopaedic intervention.

Fractures of the radial head treated by internal fixation: late results in 26 cases.

Twenty-six patients, ranging in age from 14 to 57 years (average 29 years), were evaluated an average of 7 years and 4 months (range 1-14 years) after open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced radial head fracture. Using Mason's classification, there were 11 type II fractures, 9 type III fractures, and 6 type IV fractures with associated dislocation of the elbow. Seven patients had ipsilateral extremity injuries that included fractures of the coronoid process, capitellum, humerus, and distal radius. Using the Broberg and Morrey elbow score, good or excellent results were achieved in all Mason type II and type III fractures. Four of the six Mason type IV fractures were rated good or excellent. Fair results were obtained in two patients who had an associated dislocation of the elbow and multiple ipsilateral extremity injuries. In these two patients, secondary excision of the radial head relieved pain and yielded some improvement in flexion and forearm rotation.