Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term results of patients with dislocated fractures around the elbow with the terrible triad who were treated with an elbow external fixator together with internal fixation and ligament repair.
Methods: The study included patients who underwent surgery for a diagnosis of a terrible triad between January 2009 and January 2015. A total of 14 patients were diagnosed with terrible triad and were operated with an elbow external fixator additional to internal fixation and ligament repair.
Results: The mean follow-up period was 27 months (range, 22-38 months). According to the Mayo elbow performance score, 10 patients were evaluated as excellent, 2 as good and 2 as poor. The flexion ROM were mean 118° (range, 115°-122°), and extension ROM was mean 26° (range, 20°-32°). Flexion contracture was determined of mean 15° (range, 10°-20°) and extension contracture of mean 7.5° (range, 5°-10°). Full bone union was observed radiographically in all patients.
Conclusion: In fractures around the elbow diagnosed with terrible triad, the combination of internal fixation with elbow external fixator provided the possibility of starting elbow joint movements in the early period and the mid-term results obtained were pleasing.