1. ELBOW FRACTURES/DISLOCATIONSTRINITY ANGONI

2. ELBOW FRACTURESIntercondyler fracturesCondyler fracturesCapitulum fracturesHead of radius fracturesRadial neck fracturesOlecranon processfracturesCoronoid processfractures 3. Intercondyler fractures of thehumerusRiseborough and Radin Classification Type I: Nondisplaced Type II: Slight displacement with no rotationbetween the condylar fragments in the frontalplane Type III: Displacement with rotation Type IV: Severe comminution of the articularsurface 4. Riseborough and Radinclassification 5. Condylar Fractures Milch Classification Two types for medial and lateral; the key is thelateral trochlear ridge. Type I: Lateral trochlear ridge is left intact. Type II: Lateral trochlear ridge is part of thecondylar fragment (medial or lateral). 6. Humeral epihpyses anatomy 7. Milch classification 8. Milch classification 9. Capitulum fracturesBryan and Morey classificationType I: Hahn-Steinthal fragment. Large osseouscomponent of capitellum, sometimes withtrochlear involvementType II: Kocher-Lorenz fragment. Articularcartilage with minimal subchondral boneattached: uncapping of the condyleType III: Markedly comminuted 10. Hahn-Steinthal fragment 11. Kocher-Lorenz fragment 12. Radial head fractures A fall on the outstretched hand forces theelbow into valgus and pushes the radial headagainst the capitulum. 13. Head of radius fracturesMason classification Type I An undisplaced vertical split in the radialhead Type II A displaced single fragment of the head Type III The head broken into severalfragments (comminuted). 14. Masons Classification 15. Olecranon process fracturesTwo broad types of injury are seen:(1) a comminuted fracture which is due to a direct blowor a fall on the elbow(2) a transverse break, due to traction when the patientfalls onto the hand while the triceps muscle iscontracted.These two types can be further sub-classified into(a) Displaced(b) Undisplaced fractures.More severe injuries may be associated alsowith subluxation or dislocation of the ulno-humeraljoint. 16. Olecranon process fracturesMorrey Classification Type I: Undisplaced, stable fractures Type II: Displaced, stable Type III: Displaced, unstable fractures 17. Olecranon fractures 18. Radial neck fractures A fall on the outstretched hand forces theelbow into valgus and pushes the radial headagainst the capitulum. In children the bone fractures through the neckof the radius. 19. Coronoid process fracturesRegan and Morrey classificationType I: Fracture avulsion just the tip of thecoronoidType II: Those that involve less than 50% ofcoronoid either as single fracture or multiplefragmentsType III: Those involve >50% of coronoidSubdivided into those(A)without elbow dislocation(B)with elbow dislocation 20. Regan and Morey classification 21. Treatment Surgical treatment is given as appropriate Plates and screws for comminuted fractures Headless or lag screws for uncomminutedfractures Collar and cuff for splinting or other splints innon surgical intervention. 22. Physiotherapy mxProblems Stiffness of the elbow Loss of extension and flexion and sometimespronation and supination Pain Myositis ossificans Vascular insufficiency Nerve damage (ulnar and median nerve) Mul union 23. Physio mxProblems Delayed union Non union Elbow instability Muscle spasm Muscle weakness Muscle atrophy Joint deformity Bone infection (osteomyelitis) Osteoporosis loss of bone density as a result of reducedfunctionality Thrombus formation 24. Physio mx Ultrasound to loosen adhesions/ myositisossificans Massage (hacking) and muscle stretch torealese contractures Range of motion exercizes to increaseextension, flexion, supination and pronation. Tens/ift for pain medication and muscle spasm. 25. Physio mx Circulatory exercizes for vascular insufficiency Nerve glides for nerve damage if neuropraxic Nerve stretching Immobilisation in cast in cases of malunion, delayed union and non union thenrefere for re assesment. Immobilising in armsling for elbow instability.Untill healing takes place. 26. Physio mx.. Muscle strengthening exercizes for muscleweakness, muscle atrophy and immobilityosteoporosis. Order for a check x-ray if there is jointdeformity for appropriate progression oftherapy. with chronic uhealing wounds discharging pussuspect osteomyelitis, and recommend biopsyfor microbiology examination. tubi grip will be appropriate for dvt (paget vonschruetter disease). 27. ELBOW DISLOCATION 28. Elbow dislocationGeneral The most common type of dislocation inchildren and the second most common type inadults, second only to shoulder dislocation Young adults between the ages of 2530 yearsare most affected and sports activities accountfor almost 50% of these injuries 29. Types of elbow dislocations PosteriorPosterolateral: >90% dislocationsPosteromedial Anterior (side swipe) Lateral Medial Divergent (rare)Anterior-posterior type(ulna posterior, radial headanterior).Mediolateral (transverse) type (distal humeruswedged between radius lateral and ulna medial). 30. Types of elbow dislocations Posterior dislocation: caused by a fall on theoutstretched hand Anterior dislocation: usually a high energytrauma (side swipe in motor vehicle drivers) Lateral dislocation: a medialy directed force onthe humerus drives the trochlea in the samedirection causing the ulnar to be displacedlaterally Medial dislocation: a lateraly directed force willdrive the trochlea in the same direction andcausing the ulnar to be displaced medialy. 31. Types cont.. Divergent: a dislocation which wedges thehumerus between the ulnar and radius. Eitherantero-posterior or mediolateral. 32. Types cont 33. Clinical Associated injuries include fracture of the radialhead, injury to the brachial artery and mediannerve 34. Symptoms Inability to bend the elbow following a fall onthe outstretched hand Pain in the shoulder and wrist On physical exam: The most important part ofthe exam is the neurovascular evaluation of the radial artery, and median, ulnar and radialnerves 35. Imaging Plain AP and lateral radiographs CT and MRI scans are seldom necessary 36. Treatment Reduce dislocation as soon as possible afterinjury Splint for 10 days Initiate ROM exercises, NSAIDs 37. Complications Loss of ROM of elbow especially extension Ectopic bone formation Neurovascular injury Arthritis of the elbow 38. References Apley orthopaedic textbook Upper limb fractures Physical medicine and rahabilitation