The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of hinged external fixation in management of complex elbow injury.

We retrospectively reviewed clinical outcomes in 10 patients with elbow dislocation and associated fractures of both the radial head and the coronoid process from January 2007 to December 2013. All ten patients were treated by hinged external fixation after open reduction and internal fixation. The indication for use of a hinged external fixator was persistent instability after fixation of the fractures. Early mobilization was started at 1 week (6.5 days) after surgery. The external fixator was removed at 6 weeks after surgery. Cassebaum classification and Mayo elbow performance score were used for clinical and functional evaluation. The follow-up period was at least 1 year.

At the last follow-up, the average further flexion was 127°, and the average flexion contracture was 16°. The average pronation was 83° and the average supination was 78°. By the Cassebaum classification after 1 year follow-up, patients were classified as 4 excellent, 4 good, and 2 poor. According to the Mayo elbow performance score, the average score was 87 points (65-100 points) with 3 excellent, 6 good, and 1 fair. Stability was restored in all patients at the last follow-up. There was no case of nonunion and the average union period was 11.5 weeks.

This study advocated the additional use of a hinged external fixator in the treatment of complex elbow instability, especially when fixation of fractures and repair of soft tissues were not sufficient. Providing adequate stability and allowing early motion, additional external fixation could improve the functional outcome.