Hand clinics
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Recognition of the pattern of an elbow fracture-dislocation allows immediate knowledge of the treatment principles, pitfalls, and prognosis of the injury. Specific techniques for each injury component increase the surgeon's ability to restore stability to the elbow. When complications are anticipated and avoided or addressed expediently, it is possible to restore elbow function in spite of the complexity of these injuries.
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Fractures of the proximal ulna present unique challenges to the surgeon because of the complexity of the elbow joint. It is important not to underestimate the potential difficulty of these cases and to give each one thorough preoperative consideration before embarking on a surgical course. The primary principles of treatment are to restore joint congruity and stability while permitting early range of motion. A logical and consistent approach, based on the fracture characteristics and concomitant injuries, should produce predictable results.