Temporary bridge plate stabilization of unstable elbow fractures and dislocations

Abstract

Unstable fracture-dislocations of the elbow, and in particular the "terrible triad" injury consisting of an elbow dislocation with a fracture of the radial head and coronoid, are complex injuries that can be plagued and complicated by persistent instability. Acute and chronic instability is a difficult problem and is best managed early by avoidance and restoration of stability. A number of treatment options have been proposed to manage acute postfixation instability of the elbow joint. Traditional stabilization options include immobilization with splinting or casting, cross-articular pinning, and external fixation (hinged or static), followed by early physical therapy. However, each of these approaches can still yield persistent elbow instability. We are proposing a new technique of acute but temporary bridge plate stabilization of the elbow joint to protect the concentrically reduced elbow joint following repair of all injured structures to restore stability followed by staged removal and the delayed initiation of therapy.