Traumatic Elbow Dislocations

The elbow is the second most common major joint to dislocate after the shoulder in the adult population. Its stability is highly dependent on a complex interaction between bony articulations, capsuloligamentous structures and dynamic muscle restraints. Dislocations are traditionally classified by the presence (complex dislocations) or absence (simple dislocations) of associated fractures and by the direction of the displacement of the forearm relative to the humerus. The general aim of this thesis was to study the optimal treatment for simple and complex elbow dislocations in terms of functional outcome, range of motion, quality of life, adverse events and healthcare consumption with associated costs. Between 1986 and 2008 the mean incidence rate of elbow dislocations was 5.6 per 100,000 person years. The total costs for elbow dislocations were €1.63 million per year, most of which was accounted for by the female population (1.14 million versus €0.49 million by males). We found that patients with simple elbow dislocations recovered faster and returned to work eight days sooner when treated with early mobilization compared to patients that were treated with plaster immobilization. Early mobilization did not lead to recurrent dislocations. Mean total costs (including costs for work absenteeism) per patient were €3,624 in the early mobilization group versus €7,072 in the plaster group. We also demonstrated that the Dutch version of the Oxford Elbow Score is a reliable, valid and responsive instrument for evaluating elbow related quality of life. Even in non-operatively treated patients. Concerning complex elbow dislocations, we found that hin

Minimal important change and other measurement properties of the Oxford Elbow Score and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand in patients with a simple elbow dislocation

Study design: Validation study using data from a multicenter, randomized, clinical trial (RCT). Objectives: To evaluate the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and minimal important change (MIC) of the Dutch version of the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) in patients with a simple elbow dislocation. Background: Patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly important for assessing outcome following elbow injuries, both in daily practice and in clinical research. However measurement properties of the OES and Quick-DASH in these patients are not fully known. Methods: OES and Quick-DASH were completed four times until one year after trauma. Mayo Elbow Performance Index, pain (VAS), Short Form-36, and EuroQol-5D were completed for comparison. Data of a multicenter RCT (n = 100) were used. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach’s alpha. Construct and longitudinal validity were assessed by determining hypothesized strength of correlation between scores or changes in scores, respectively, of (sub)scales. Finally, floor and ceiling effects, MIC, and smallest detectable change (SDC) were determined. Results: OES and Quick-DASH demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach α, 0.882 and 0.886, respectively). Construct validity and longitudinal validity of both scales were supported by >75% correctly hypothesized correlations. MIC and SDC were 8.2 and 12.0 point for OES, respectively. For Quick-DASH, these values were 11.7 and 25.0, respectively. Conclusions: OES and Quick-DASH are reliable, valid, and responsive instruments for evaluating elbow-related quality of life. The anchor-based MIC was 8.2 points for OES and 11.7 for QuickDASH

Trends in incidence and costs of injuries to the shoulder, arm and wrist in the Netherlands between 1986 and 2008

Background: Upper extremity injuries account for a large proportion of attendances to the Emergency Department. The aim of this study was to assess population-based trends in the incidence of upper extremity injuries in the Dutch population between 1986 and 2008

Outcome after modified Putti-Platt procedure for recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations

Most recent studies on procedures for stabilizing the glenohumeral joint focus on arthroscopic techniques. A relatively simple open procedure is the modified Putti-Platt procedure. The aim of these retrospective case series was to evaluate the functional outcome, patient satisfaction, and quality of life of patients who underwent this procedure. After a median follow-up time of 4.7 (P25-P75 1.7-6.8) years, fifty-one patients could be enrolled with a mean age of 25 (21-39) years. Five patients (10 %) reported re-dislocations. The median Constant score for the affected side was 84 (P25-P75 75-91). Median loss of motion in abduction, elevation, external rotation, and external rotation in 90°

Good Functional Recovery of Complex Elbow Dislocations Treated With Hinged External Fixation: A Multicenter Prospective Study

Background: After a complex dislocation, some elbows remain unstable after closed reduction or fracture treatment. Function after treatment with a hinged external fixator theoretically allows collateral ligaments to heal without surgical reconstruction. However, there is a lack of prospective studies that assess functional outcome, pain, and ROM. Questions/purposes: We asked: (1) In complex elbow fracture-dislocations, does treatment with a hinged external fixator result in reduction of disability and pain, and in improvement in ROM, function, and quality of life? (2) Does delayed treatment (7 days or later) have a negative effect on ROM after 1 year? (3) What are the complications seen after external fixator treatment? Methods: During a 2-year period, 11 centers recruited 27 patients 18 years or older who were included and evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery as part of this prospective case series. During the study period, the participating centers agreed on general indications for use of the hinged external fixator, which included persistent instability after closed reduction alone or closed reduction combined with surgical treatment of associated fracture(s), when indicated. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH; primary outcome) score, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), the Oxford Elbow Score, and the level of pain (VAS). ROM, adverse events, secondary interventions, and radiographs also were evaluated. A total of 26 of the 27 patients (96%) were available for followup at 1 year. Results: All functional and pain scores improved. The median QuickDASH score decreased from 30 (25th–75th percentiles [P25–P75], 23–40) at 6 weeks to 7 (P25–P75, 2–12) at 1 year with a median difference of −25 (p < 0.001). The median MEPI score increased from 80 (P25–P75, 64–85) at 6 weeks to 100 (P25–P75, 85–100) at 1 year with a median difference of 15 (p < 0.001). The median Oxford Elbow Score increased from 60 (P25–P75, 44–68) at 6 weeks to 90 (P25–P75, 73–96) at 1 year with a median difference of 29 (p < 0.001). The median VAS decreased from 2.8 (P25–P75, 1.0–5.0) at 2 weeks to 0.5 (P25–P75, 0.0–1.9) at 1 year with a median difference of −2.1 (p = 0.001). ROM also improved. The median flexion-extension arc improved from 50°

The reliability and reproducibility of the Hertel classification for comminuted proximal humeral fractures compared with the Neer classification

_Introduction_ The Neer classification is the most commonly used fracture classification system for proximal humeral fractures. Inter- and intra-observer agreement is limited, especially for comminuted fractures. A possibly more straightforward and reliable classification system is the Hertel classification. The aim of this study was to compare the inter- and intra-observer variability of the Hertel with the Neer classification in comminuted proximal humeral fractures. _Materials and methods_ Four observers evaluated blinded radiographic images of 60 patients. After at least two months classification was repeated. _Results_ Inter-observer agreement on plain X-rays was fair for both Hertel and Neer. Inter-observer agreement on CT-scans was substantial for Hertel and moderate for Neer. Inter-observer agreement on 3D-reconstructions was moderate for both Hertel and Neer. Intra-observer agreement on plain X-rays was fair for both Hertel and Neer. Intra-observer agreement on CT-scans was moderate for both Hertel and Neer. Intra-observer agreement on 3D-reconstructions was moderate for Hertel and substantial for Neer. _Conclusions_ The Hertel and Neer classifications showed a fair to substantial inter- and intra-observer agreement on the three diagnostic modalities used. Although inter-observer agreement was highest for Hertel classification on CT-scans, Neer classification had the highest intra-observer agreement on 3D-reconstructions. Data of this study do not confirm superiority of either classification system for the classification of comminuted proximal humeral fractures

Early mobilization versus plaster immobilization of simple elbow dislocations: a cost analysis of the FuncSiE multicenter randomized clinical trial

Introduction: The primary aim was to assess and compare the total costs (direct health care costs and indirect costs due to loss of production) after early mobilization versus plaster immobilization in patients with a simple elbow dislocation. It was hypothesized that early mobilization would not lead to higher direct and indirect costs. Materials and methods: This study used data of a multicenter randomized clinical trial (FuncSiE trial). From August 25, 2009 until September 18, 2012, 100 adult patients with a simple elbow dislocation were recruited and randomized to early mobilization (immediate motion exercises; n = 48) or 3 weeks plaster immobilization (n = 52). Patients completed questionnaires on health-related quality of life [EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) and Short Form-36 (SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS)], health care use, and work absence. Follow-up was 1 year. Primary outcome were the total costs at 1 year. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results: There were no significant differences in EQ-5D, SF-36 PCS, and SF-36 MCS between the two groups. Mean total costs per patient were €3624 in the early mobilization group versus €7072 in the plaster group (p = 0.094). Shorter work absenteeism in the early mobilization group (10 versus 18 days; p = 0.027) did not lead to significantly lower costs for loss of productivity (€1719 in the early mobilization group versus €4589; p = 0.120). Conclusion: From a clinical and a socio-economic point of view, early mobilization should be the treatment of choice for a simple elbow dislocation. Plaster immobilization has inferior results at almost double the cost

How to train surgical residents to perform laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass safely

Background As a result of increasing numbers of patients with morbid obesity there is a worldwide demand for bariatric surgeons. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, nowadays performed mostly laparoscopically (LRYGB), has been proven to be a highly effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity. This procedure is technically demanding and requires a long learning curve. Little is known about implementing these demanding techniques in the training of the surgical resident. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the introduction of LRYGB into the training of surgical residents. Methods All patients who underwent LRYGB between March 2006 and July 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The procedure was performed by a surgical resident under strict supervision of a bariatric surgeon (group I) or by a bariatric surgeon (group II). The primary end point was the occurrence of complications. Secondary end points included operative time, days of hospitalization, rate of readmission, and reappearance in the emergency department (ED) within 30 days. Results A total of 409 patients were found eligible for inclusion in the study: 83 patients in group I and 326 in group II. There was a significant difference in operating time (129 min in group I vs. 116 min in group II; p<0.001) and days of hospitalization. Postoperative complication rate, reappearance in the ED, and rate of readmission did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that under stringent supervision and with sufficient laparoscopic practice, implementation of LRYGB as part of surgical training is safe and results in only a slightly longer operating time. Complication rates, days of hospitalization, and the rates of readmission and reappearance in the ED within 30 days were similar between the both groups. These results should be interpreted by remembering that all procedures in group I were performed in a training environment so occasional intervention by a bariatric surgeon, when necessary, was inevitable