Current concepts in elbow fracture dislocation

Background Elbow fracture dislocations are complex injuries that can provide a challenge for experienced surgeons. Current classifications fail to provide a comprehensive system that encompasses all of the elements and patterns seen in elbow fracture dislocations. Methods The commonly used elbow fracture dislocation classifications are reviewed and the three-column concept of elbow fracture dislocation is described. This concept is applied to the currently recognised injury patterns and the literature on management algorithms. Results Current elbow fracture dislocation classification systems only describe one element of the injury, or only include one pattern of elbow fracture dislocation. A new comprehensive classification system based on the three-column concept of elbow fracture dislocation is presented with a suggested algorithm for managing each injury pattern. Discussion The three-column concept may improve understanding of injury patterns and treatment and leads to a comprehensive classification of elbow fracture dislocations with algorithms to guide treatment.

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