A hinged external fixator for complex elbow dislocations: A multicenter prospective cohort study
2011

Hinged External Fixator for Complex Elbow Dislocations

Sample size: 30 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Niels WL Schep, Jeroen De Haan, Gijs Iordens, Wim E Tuinebreijer, Maarten WGA Bronkhorst, Mark R De Vries, Carel J Goslings, John S Ham, Steven Rhemrev, Gert R Roukema, Inger B Schipper, Jan Bernard Sintenie, Hub GWM Van der Meulen, Tom PH Van Thiel, Arie B Van Vugt, Egbert JMM Verleisdonk, Jos PAM Vroemen, Philippe Wittich, Peter Patka, Esther MM Van Lieshout, Dennis Den Hartog

Primary Institution: Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam

Hypothesis

Early mobilization will prevent stiffness and will result in a satisfactory functional outcome at one year.

Conclusion

The study aims to determine the effect of early mobilization with a hinged external elbow fixator on clinical outcomes in patients with complex elbow dislocations.

Supporting Evidence

  • Elbow dislocations are the second most commonly dislocated joint in adults.
  • Complex elbow dislocations are associated with fractures of the radial head, olecranon, or coronoid process.
  • Early mobilization may prevent stiffness and improve functional outcomes.

Takeaway

This study is looking at how using a special elbow fixator can help people move their elbow better after a serious injury.

Methodology

A multicenter prospective cohort study evaluating 30 patients treated with a hinged elbow fixator after ORIF for complex elbow dislocations.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in patient selection and outcome assessment due to the observational nature of the study.

Limitations

The study is based on a small sample size and lacks randomized controlled trials for comparison.

Participant Demographics

Men and women aged 18 years and older with complex elbow dislocations.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-12-130

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