Description
This presentation, delivered by Dr. Kevin Hildebrand, focuses on the complexities of elbow injuries, specifically addressing cases of proximal ulna synostosis and fibrosis of the proximal radioulnar joint. Dr. Hildebrand thanks the Canadian Shoulder and Elbow Society for the opportunity to present and states that he has no disclosures. The talk is primarily case-based, illustrating treatment approaches for elbow fractures and the associated surgical interventions.
Dr. Hildebrand starts with a case study of a 74-year-old active male who experienced an elbow injury and underwent multiple surgical procedures, resulting in limited motion despite efforts for rehabilitation. Following this, he discusses the incidence of forearm synostosis, which is relatively rare post-elbow fractures, and emphasizes the necessity of operative intervention to improve motion.
The presentation also provides a second case involving a 39-year-old male with an elbow fracture dislocation leading to motion limitations years after treatment. Dr. Hildebrand details the imaging outcomes, diagnosing fibrosis rather than ossification as the primary issue. He compares the efficacy of radial head excision versus arthroplasty for restoring forearm rotation, confirming significant improvement in functional outcomes.
Furthermore, Dr. Hildebrand discusses adjunct therapies, acknowledging that there is no conclusive data supporting their efficacy post-surgery and stressing the rarity of significant functional limitations from these injuries. The session concludes with a reminder of the need for surgical management in severe cases and the variability in recurrence rates of complications.