Abstract

• PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome for terrible triad injury of the elbow joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed consecutive 10 cases retrospectively among 12 terrible triad injuries, which had been followed up for a minimum 1 year. The average age at the time of injury was 45 years (range, 32~72). All cases were dislocated posteriorly. The 3 cases had fracture of olecranon. Combined medial and lateral approach was performed in 3 cases, medial and lateral approach after extensile posterior approach in 4 cases, transolecranon approach using existed olecranon fracture in 2 cases, and transolecranon approach in 1 case were done. RESULTS: The average Mayo elbow performance score was 87, with 5 excellent, 4 good, and 1 poor results. Results by Riseborough and Radin's rating criteria include 9 good and 1 fair. The 8 cases were stable. But 2 cases were classified with moderate and severe instability; these cases had been performed by radial head allograft and excision respectively. CONCLUSION: A stable, functional elbow can be restored in terrible triad injury by early active rehabilitation after anatomic reduction and firm internal fixation.
• Key words: Coronoid process fracture, Radial head fracture, Elbow dislocation, Terrible triad

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