Abstract
Hinged elbow external fixation is a surgical resource indicated in complex elbow fracture-dislocations, elbow instability, and chronic degenerative disorders along with other reparative or reconstructive techniques. Recognizing its value is paramount to avoid suboptimal treatment of these conditions and to open the spectrum of treatment in elbow degenerative diseases. These devices recreate the anatomic axis of rotation allowing concentric ulno-humeral motion while protecting the joint surfaces and periarticular soft tissues from external loads. Elbow external fixation is apparently a simple procedure, but the risk of damaging important neurovascular structures, specifically the radial nerve, stresses the importance of working in safe areas when implanting this device and following the recommendations given about the surgical technique. Its implementation can allow obtaining rewarding results in the difficult situations in which it is indicated.
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Foruria, A.M., Cobos, J. (2015). External Fixation: When and How. In: Castoldi, F., Blonna, D., Assom, M. (eds) Simple and Complex Fractures of the Humerus. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5307-6_27
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5307-6_27
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