The Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures with Ipsilateral Elbow Injury

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of simultaneous distal radius fractures (DRFs) and ipsilateral elbow injuries (IEI) and to evaluate whether the DRFs and IEI affect each other’s outcomes. Methods: From February 2008 to March 2015, 29 of 846 patients treated for DRFs were found to be associated with IEI and 26 patients with follow-up over 12 months were enrolled. There were 12 men and 14 women with a mean age of 55 years (range, 17–86 years). Associated IEI was divided into fracture group (10 patients) and dislocation group (16 patients). Clinical outcomes of DRFs and IEI were evaluated using the Gartland and Werley score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, respectively. A correlation between the wrist scoring and the elbow scoring was analyzed. In addition, the wrist scoring between fracture group and dislocation group of the elbow was compared. Results: The DRFs was rated as excellent in 14 patients, good in seven patients, and fair in five patients. The IEI was rated as excellent in 12 patients, good in 11 patients, fair in two patients, and poor in one patient. Acceptable outcome rate of both DRFs and concomitant IEI was 73%, although that of DRFs and IEI was 81% and 88%, respectively. A correlation between the wrist outcome and the elbow outcome showed a negative linear relationship (Spearman rho = −0.435, p = 0.026). In addition, there was no difference in the outcome of DRFs between ipsilateral elbow fractures group and dislocation group. Conclusions: As a correlation of DRFs and ipsilateral IEI have a linear relationship, the functional outcomes of both injuries are related to each other. Therefore, we recommend that combined injuries should be managed appropriately at the same time for contended recovery of the wrist and elbow.