Outcomes of Fixation of Radial Head Fractures with Kirschner Wire (K-Wire) in Adult Patients with Terrible Triad of Elbow Dislocations

Abstract

Background: Elbow dislocation is one of the most prevalent dislocations among adults, following shoulder dislocation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Kirschner wire (K-wire) on fixation of comminuted radial head fracture when radial head prosthesis is inaccessible in terrible triad of elbow (TTE) dislocation.
Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 21 adult patients with TTE dislocation, who were scheduled for fixation of radial head using K-wire, were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria. Variables, such as supination, pronation, range of flexion-extension motion, forearm rotation, and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) index, were measured, and the patients were followed-up for 1 postoperative year.
Results: After surgery, the mean forearm rotation and elbow joint flexion-extension range of motion were 121.42 ± 29.71 and 115.23 ± 32.34 in patients with TTE dislocation, respectively. Regarding the MEPS results, the mean MEPS score was above 70, and the majority of patients showed good performance in the follow-up.
Conclusions: Considering the limitations and side effects of prosthesis in TTE dislocation, K-wire can be used as an effective approach for fixing comminuted radial head fractures, such as TTE dislocation.