Functional outcomes of elbow injuries managed according to the Wrightington classification of elbow fracture-dislocations.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to review the functional outcomes of patients managed by the application of the Wrightington elbow fracture-dislocation classification system and its corresponding management algorithms.

METHODS

This is a retrospective consecutive case series of patients over the age of 16 with an elbow fracture-dislocation managed according to the Wrightington classification. The primary outcome was the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at the last follow-up. Range of movement (ROM) and complications were collected as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

Sixty patients qualified for inclusion (32 female, 28 male) with a mean age of 48 years (19-84). Fifty-eight (97%) patients completed a minimum of three months follow-up. Mean follow-up was six months (3-18). The median MEPS at the final follow-up was 100 (interquartile range [IQR] 85-100) and median ROM of 123° (IQR 101-130) degrees. Four patients underwent secondary surgery and had improved outcomes with the average MEPS score improving from 65 to 94 following the second surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that good outcomes can be achieved for complex elbow fracture-dislocations through pattern recognition and management with an anatomically based reconstruction algorithm as described by the Wrightington classification system.