Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of lateral approach combined with anteromedial approach in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the lateral approach combined with anteromedial approach in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow.

METHODS: Between June 2010 and January 2015, 334 patients suffering from terrible triad of the elbow, amongst whom 105 cases underwent lateral approaches combined with anteromedial approaches, 112 cases underwent lateral approaches, and 117 cases underwent anteromedial approaches were included in the study. The serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before operation and at 7 days and 3 months after operation. X-ray imaging was employed to examine the recovery condition of the elbow, and the joint motion and the forearm rotation of elbow were evaluated before and after the operation.

RESULTS: Excellent rate was obtained in accordance with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The serum levels of CRP, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α gradually decreased to normal levels after the operation, and recovery was faster in patients undergoing lateral approach combined with anteromedial approach in comparison to those undergoing lateral and anteromedial approaches. The X-ray images showed good recovery of elbows in all patients, but the range of joint motion, forearm rotation degree, and MEPS were higher in patients undergoing lateral approach combined with anteromedial approach compared to those undergoing lateral and anteromedial approaches independently.

CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings demonstrate lateral approach combined with anteromedial approach reveals better therapeutic effect than lateral approach and anteromedial approach in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow.