J Korean Fract Soc.  2005 Oct;18(4):437-442. 10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.4.437.

Elbow Dislocation Combined with Coronoid Process and Radial Head Fracture

• Lee ST
• Choi JH
• Seo JB
• Park JY

• KMID: 2015411
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.4.437

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome for terrible triad injury of the elbow joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed consecutive 10 cases retrospectively among 12 terrible triad injuries, which had been followed up for a minimum 1 year. The average age at the time of injury was 45 years (range, 32~72). All cases were dislocated posteriorly. The 3 cases had fracture of olecranon. Combined medial and lateral approach was performed in 3 cases, medial and lateral approach after extensile posterior approach in 4 cases, transolecranon approach using existed olecranon fracture in 2 cases, and transolecranon approach in 1 case were done.
RESULTS
The average Mayo elbow performance score was 87, with 5 excellent, 4 good, and 1 poor results. Results by Riseborough and Radin's rating criteria include 9 good and 1 fair. The 8 cases were stable. But 2 cases were classified with moderate and severe instability; these cases had been performed by radial head allograft and excision respectively.
CONCLUSION
A stable, functional elbow can be restored in terrible triad injury by early active rehabilitation after anatomic reduction and firm internal fixation.

Keyword

Coronoid process fracture; Radial head fracture; Elbow dislocation; Terrible triad

MeSH Terms

Allografts
Dislocations*
Elbow Joint
Elbow*
Head*
Olecranon Process
Rehabilitation
Retrospective Studies