CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Revista Iberoamericana de Cirugía de la Mano 2020; 48(01): 002-009
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708888
Original Articles | Artículos Originales
Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Distal Articular Fractures of the Humerus: Surgical Approach with Dynamic Elbow external Fixator

Article in several languages: English | español
1   Surgery Department, Orthopedic and Traumatology, Hand and Microsurgery Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
,
Ricardo Kaempf de Oliveira
2   Orthopedic and Traumatology Department, Danta Casa de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
,
1   Surgery Department, Orthopedic and Traumatology, Hand and Microsurgery Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
,
Gustavo Mantovani Ruggiero
3   Plastic Surgery Department, Universita Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
,
Fernando Luvizoto de Carvalho
1   Surgery Department, Orthopedic and Traumatology, Hand and Microsurgery Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
,
Fabio Lucas Rodrigues
1   Surgery Department, Orthopedic and Traumatology, Hand and Microsurgery Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Address for correspondence

Marcio Aurelio Aita, PhD
Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Faculdade Medicina ABC
Av. Principe de Gales, 821–Principe de Gales, Santo Andre, SP, 09060-650
Brazil   

Publication History

17 September 2019

03 February 2020

Publication Date:
29 May 2020 (online)

 

Abstract

Purpose To measure clinical and radiographic outcomes using external fixation in distal humeral fractures.

Methods A total of 10 elderly patients, with a mean age of 71 (range 64–84 years) years old, with unstable distal humeral fractures were treated by percutaneous reduction and fixation with an articulated external fixator. The patients were assessed on range of elbow motion, patient disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), and pain visual analog scale (VAS) and radiographic evaluation at 12 months.

Results The mean range of motion was 134° of flexion, extension was of - 5°. All of the elbows were clinically stable. The mean VAS was 2.2, and the mean DASH score was 14.3. Radiographic analysis showed satisfactory reduction and consolidation. All of the patients showed congruence of concentric humerus-ulnar and radius and no patient had joint stiffness or posttraumatic arthritis of the elbow. Regarding complications, we observed a patient who presented with pain in the location of the ulnar pin, which was resolved with the removal of the pin. After two months, another patient had pneumonia and died. The follow-up was of 15.44 months.

Conclusions A radiographic analysis of the patients showed fracture healing with joint congruity. In the functional clinical aspect, it was noted that patients had functional range of motion

Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV


#

Introduction

The incidence of distal humeral fractures corresponds to ∼ 2% of all adult elbow fractures.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] The mechanisms of injury are bimodal, and includes low-energy trauma, usually associated with osteoporotic bone in elderly patients, and high-energy, more frequent in young patients with higher incidence of complications such as soft tissue, nerves[3] and vascular injuries.

In elderly patients, surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws remains the choice of treatment,[9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] even with high complication rates, as reduction loss, articular stiffness and soft tissue damage. According to Korner et al[15] and Hausman et al[16], the internal fixation is justified by the improvements in osteosynthesis techniques and implants with locking screws.

Elbow arthroplasty may be indicated in selected patients with fractures of the severely fragmented distal humerus, or in patients with osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis.[17] [18] [19]

Gausepohl et al[9] applied the dynamic external elbow fixator associated with internal fixation in the surgical treatment of complex fractures of the distal humerus in patients with osteoporosis, to protect the internal fixation and decrease complication rates.

The hypothesis of the present study is that distal humeral fractures in elderly patients treated with percutaneous reduction and fixation with an articulated external fixator would avoid complications of the open management, reducing the risk of infection and soft tissues damage.

The objective of the present study is to measure the radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes of patients with complete articular fractures of the distal humerus treated with an articulated external fixator.


#

Methods

The study design is a prospective cohort. Inclusion criteria were elderly patients (> 60 years old), with distal humeral fractures (closed or open), classified as AO 13C, comminution below the olecranon fossa, observed in radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scan ([Figs. 1] [2] [3]). The study was approved by the Ethics Committee (CAAE: 50927715.3.0000.5484).

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Fig. 1 Radiographic/Tomographic aspects (preoperative): distal humerus fracture (13C3).
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Fig. 2 Radiographic aspects (preoperative): distal humerus fracture (13C3).
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Fig. 3 Tomographic 3D aspects (preoperative): distal humerus fracture (13C3).

The patients were positioned in the supine position and submitted to general anesthesia or regional brachial plexus block. Closed maneuvers and indirect fracture reduction with longitudinal traction and percutaneous bone reduction clamps, aiming satisfactory articular surface reduction and the distal humerus alignment, were performed. The stabilization was performed with Kirschnner wires and/or lag screws near the joint line of the distal humerus ([Fig. 4]), to fix the joint surface fragments, the medial epicondyle and the lateral cross into the metaphysis.

Zoom Image
Fig. 4 Intraoperative fluoroscopic aspects. Kirschner wires and or lag screws near the joint line of the distal humerus.

With the reduced fracture, we positioned the elbow at 90° flexion and the forearm at 90° pronation, conducted the examination with fluoroscopy in this elbow to identify its rotation axis (imaginary line that cuts through the center of the capitellum) and passed a Kirschner wire guide (2 mm) in the center of rotation in the parallel direction to the articular surface of the distal humerus, from lateral to medial direction.

The central body of the external fixator (Elbow external fixator, Amsterdam, Fixus®, Netherlands, and Galaxy elbow external fixator, Bussolengo, Orthofix®, Italy) was properly seated in the guide wire. Two Schantz pins (5 mm) were introduced in the humerus, and two other pins (4 mm) into the ulna and connected to the clamps. Those were fixed to the rods passing through the central body. The principle of arthrodiastasis (increased joint space) can be promoted by external fixator to help reduce the articular fragments. An occlusive dressing was applied, and the final tightening of the components of the external fixator was checked.

After the procedure, patients remained in hospital for a period of 24 hours. Subsequently, they performed rehabilitation in the occupational therapy sector of the institution, with the specific protocol already established, which recommends elbow mobility from the 1st day after the surgery ([Fig. 5]).

Zoom Image
Fig. 5 Postoperative clinical and radiographic aspects showed the range of motion of the elbow.

When patients were discharged, they were followed-up weekly in the first month. Then, the returns occurred at 2 months, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery.

The parameters chosen for analysis were X-rays to assess articular congruence, reduction and consolidation; range of motion compared with the normal side; pain by visual analogue scale (VAS) after 1 year; the quality of life by the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire and any complications and new operations if they had occurred.

For statistical analysis we adopted the significance level of 5% (0.050) to the testing. The comparison between the variables was due to the application of the test of Wilcoxon Signed Posts, to investigate possible differences between the normal ROM (opposite side) and ROM after 1 year (affected side)


#

Results

We evaluated a total of 10 patients, 4 men and 6 women. The mean age was ∼ 71 years old, ranging from 64 to 84 years old. The follow-up time was 15.44 months (minimum of 12 and maximum of 21 months).

The average range of motion of the fracture side was 134° of flexion, and - 5° of extension. All of the elbows were clinically stable. The mean VAS was 2.2 and the mean DASH was 14.3.

Radiographic analysis showed satisfactory reduction and consolidation. All of the patients showed congruence of concentric humerus-ulnar and radius: ([Fig. 6]) and no patient had joint stiffness or post-traumatic arthritis of the elbow.

Zoom Image
Fig. 6 Postoperative radiographic aspects – articular congruence radius-capitellum and humerus-ulnar.

A patient with pain in the ulnar pin path location was observed, which was solved with the removal of the pin, and another patient had pneumonia and came to die 2 months after the fracture. They were assessed at 12 months (see [Table 1]).

Table 1

Identification

Age

Follow-up

Gender

Side

ROM

normal

ROM1

year

DASH

normal

DASH

1 year

VAS

1 year

Complications

AO Classification

I

64

21

F

R

140

130

1

12

3

——————-

13C2

II

85

21

F

L

140

140

1

12

1

——————

13C1

III

67

2

F

R

135

130

1

1

1

death

13C3

IV

66

18

M

R

140

140

1

1

1

ulnar pins release

13C1

V

64

16

M

R

140

120

1

30

3

——————

13C3

VI

84

14

F

R

140

125

1

30

4

——————

13C3

VII

65

13

F

L

130

125

1

18

3

——————

13C2

VIII

75

12

F

R

140

132

1

15

2

——————

13C3

IX

71

12

M

R

135

128

1

18

3

——————

13C3

X

73

12

M

R

135

130

1

6

1

——————

13C2

It was noted that the three comparisons showed 'statistical similarity' between the two time points, for the variables of interest. It was interpreted that the parameters DASH and VAS do not tend to statistical differences, suggesting quality of life and pain improvements in the patients after the treatment (see [Table 2]).

Table 2

Variabilities

n

Mean

Standard deviation

Minimum

Maximum

Percentile 25

Percentile 50 (mediana)

Percentile 75

Significance (p-value)

ROM normal

10

139.17

2.04

135.00

140.00

138.75

140.00

140.00

0.068

ROM 1 year

10

130.83

8.01

120.00

140.00

123.75

130.00

140.00

DASH normal

10

1.00

0.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

0.063

DASH 1 year

10

14.3

13.09

1.00

30.00

1.00

12.00

30.00

VAS normal

10

1.00

0.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

0.102

VAS 1 year

10

2.2

1.33

1.00

4.00

1.00

2.00

3.25


#

Discussion

The surgical approach to these elbow fractures is challenging and highly difficult.[13] All of the current methods of internal stabilization require broad access, with triceps handling with or without osteotomy of the olecranon, which can result in stiffness and nonunion.[10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] Searching the stability, the mobility restoration, and the reduction of perioperative complications, we proposed the use of an articular external fixator.[3] [4] [5] [6] Those patients “supported” early mobilization of the elbow.

Currently, there are several case studies using primary elbow arthroplasty[17] [18] [19] [20] as a possible method of treatment of those fractures, with promising results: elbow mobility turns out to be a functional and safe method for those geriatric patients. But the choice of that method is still an exception in our midst.

The external fixator used in the present study ([Fig. 7]) promoted stability and early mobility of the elbows, which influenced directly in the clinical and functional outcome of those patients who have endured such pain during the early handling of the elbow since the 1st day after surgery, with the help of physiotherapists, while hospitalized. Association between physical therapy activities and the use of analgesics was reported by most patients in the 1st month after surgery.

Zoom Image
Fig. 7 Radiographic and clinical aspects (immediate postoperative).

The average value of the flexion-extension of the elbow in our study was 129°, while for Orbay1 (internal fixator) it was 115°, for Sorensen et al[19] (arthroplasty) it was 114°, for McKee et al[12] it was 105°, and for Sørensen et al[7] (external fixation) it was 95°. Although the sample is small, our results are superior when compared with the aforementioned studies ([Fig. 8])

Zoom Image
Fig. 8 Clinical aspects (postoperative): right elbow and functional ROM.

All of our patients had consolidation and maintenance of fracture reduction (articular congruence radius-capitellum and humerus-ulna) and stability of the elbow. (see [Fig. 9])

Zoom Image
Fig. 9 Postoperative radiographic aspects after 6 months: elbow articular congruence.

Orbay[1] didn't have complications, McKee et al[12] presented in their series of 16 patients, a case of recurrent elbow instability; Sørensen et al[7] reported a patient with elbow dislocation. In the study of Sorensen et al, 4 out of 20 patients undergoing elbow arthroplasty presented complications (2 with infection, and 2 with ulnar nerve injury). In the present study, a patient was observed with pain in the location of the ulnar pin path, which was solved with the removal of the pin.

The present research had the disadvantage of the need for a new procedure to remove the implant. It is a prospective cohort study and these results need to be confirmed in larger quantitative and qualitative studies.

This technique restores stability, the anatomy, and allows early mobility of the elbows of the patients. It is believed that it is a promising method for the treatment of geriatric patients with distal and articular fractures of the humerus.

It is suggested new scientific research, with greater level of evidence to validate this method. Thus, the articulated external fixator elbow can be part of the orthopedic surgeon toolbox.


#

Conclusion

Radiographic analysis of the patients showed fracture healing with joint congruity. In the functional clinical aspect, it was noted that patients had functional range of motion.


#
#

Acknowledgments

Translation service provided by Edith Nicole Laniado – Rua Albuquerque Lins, 1238–2b, Santa Cecília, São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Phone: + 55 11 3368–4600 / 55 11 99904–3418

Nicole@ibttranslations.com | www.ibttranslations.com

Ethical Approval

The research presented here was approved by and was in accordance with the ethical standards of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC Ethics Committee on human experimentation under the CAAE number: 50927715.3.0000.5484.


Informed Consent

An informed consent document was provided to all research participants, who read and signed it according to their will.


  • References

  • 1 Orbay JL, Mijares MR. The management of elbow instability using an internal joint stabilizer: preliminary results. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014; 472 (07) 2049-2060
  • 2 Ring D, Bruinsma WE, Jupiter JB. Complications of hinged external fixation compared with cross-pinning of the elbow for acute and subacute instability. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014; 472 (07) 2044-2048
  • 3 Lewandowski L, Tintle SM, Daniel C, O'Daniel JA, Fleming M, Keeling J. Circular external fixation for treatment of distal humerus fractures: case report. J Hand Surg Am 2013; 38 (06) 1155-1160
  • 4 Ouyang Y, Liao Y, Liu Z, Fan C. Hinged external fixator and open surgery for severe elbow stiffness with distal humeral nonunion. Orthopedics 2013; 36 (02) e186-e192
  • 5 Feranec M, Hart R, Kozák T. [Hinged external fixation in orthopaedic and trauma surgery of the elbow]. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech 2013; 80 (06) 391-395
  • 6 Banerjee D, Ghosh S, Ghosh PK, Mitra U, Dasgupta S, Jha AK. A short term experience of management of open and osteoporotic intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus using a mini-external fixator. J Indian Med Assoc 2011; 109 (06) 404 , 406, 408
  • 7 Sørensen AK, Søjbjerg JO. Treatment of persistent instability after posterior fracture-dislocation of the elbow: restoring stability and mobility by internal fixation and hinged external fixation. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2011; 20 (08) 1300-1309
  • 8 Stehle J, Gohlke F. [Classification of elbow stiffness and indications for surgical treatment]. Orthopade 2011; 40 (04) 282-290
  • 9 Gausepohl T. [Osteosynthesis in distal intra-articular humeral fractures. External fixation with motion capacity]. Unfallchirurg 2011; 114 (02) 130-135
  • 10 Allende CA, Allende BT, Allende BL, Bitar I, Gonzalez G. Intercondylar distal humerus fractures--surgical treatment and results. Chir Main 2004; 23 (02) 85-95
  • 11 McKee MD, Wilson TL, Winston L, Schemitsch EH, Richards RR. Functional outcome following surgical treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures through a posterior approach. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2000; 82 (12) 1701-1707
  • 12 McKee MD, Jupiter JB. A contemporary approach to the management of complex fractures of the distal humerus and their sequelae. Hand Clin 1994; 10 (03) 479-494
  • 13 Aslam N, Willett K. Functional outcome following internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C). Acta Orthop Belg 2004; 70 (02) 118-122
  • 14 Flinkkilä T, Toimela J, Sirniö K, Leppilahti J. Results of parallel plate fixation of comminuted intra-articular distal humeral fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2014; 23 (05) 701-707
  • 15 Korner J, Lill H, Müller LP. , et al. Distal humerus fractures in elderly patients: results after open reduction and internal fixation. Osteoporos Int 2005; 16 (Suppl. 02) S73-S79
  • 16 Hausman M, Panozzo A. Treatment of distal humerus fractures in the elderly. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2004; (425) 55-63
  • 17 Cobb TK, Morrey BF. Total elbow arthroplasty as primary treatment for distal humeral fractures in elderly patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1997; 79 (06) 826-832
  • 18 Lee KT, Lai CH, Singh S. Results of total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly Asian patients. J Trauma 2006; 61 (04) 889-892
  • 19 Sørensen BW, Brorson S, Olsen BS. Primary total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures of the distal humerus. World J Orthop 2014; 5 (03) 368-372
  • 20 Lovy AJ, Keswani A, Koehler SM, Kim J, Hausman M. Short-Term Complications of Distal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients: Open Reduction Internal Fixation Versus Total Elbow Arthroplasty. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil 2016; 7 (01) 39-44

Address for correspondence

Marcio Aurelio Aita, PhD
Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Faculdade Medicina ABC
Av. Principe de Gales, 821–Principe de Gales, Santo Andre, SP, 09060-650
Brazil   

  • References

  • 1 Orbay JL, Mijares MR. The management of elbow instability using an internal joint stabilizer: preliminary results. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014; 472 (07) 2049-2060
  • 2 Ring D, Bruinsma WE, Jupiter JB. Complications of hinged external fixation compared with cross-pinning of the elbow for acute and subacute instability. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2014; 472 (07) 2044-2048
  • 3 Lewandowski L, Tintle SM, Daniel C, O'Daniel JA, Fleming M, Keeling J. Circular external fixation for treatment of distal humerus fractures: case report. J Hand Surg Am 2013; 38 (06) 1155-1160
  • 4 Ouyang Y, Liao Y, Liu Z, Fan C. Hinged external fixator and open surgery for severe elbow stiffness with distal humeral nonunion. Orthopedics 2013; 36 (02) e186-e192
  • 5 Feranec M, Hart R, Kozák T. [Hinged external fixation in orthopaedic and trauma surgery of the elbow]. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech 2013; 80 (06) 391-395
  • 6 Banerjee D, Ghosh S, Ghosh PK, Mitra U, Dasgupta S, Jha AK. A short term experience of management of open and osteoporotic intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus using a mini-external fixator. J Indian Med Assoc 2011; 109 (06) 404 , 406, 408
  • 7 Sørensen AK, Søjbjerg JO. Treatment of persistent instability after posterior fracture-dislocation of the elbow: restoring stability and mobility by internal fixation and hinged external fixation. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2011; 20 (08) 1300-1309
  • 8 Stehle J, Gohlke F. [Classification of elbow stiffness and indications for surgical treatment]. Orthopade 2011; 40 (04) 282-290
  • 9 Gausepohl T. [Osteosynthesis in distal intra-articular humeral fractures. External fixation with motion capacity]. Unfallchirurg 2011; 114 (02) 130-135
  • 10 Allende CA, Allende BT, Allende BL, Bitar I, Gonzalez G. Intercondylar distal humerus fractures--surgical treatment and results. Chir Main 2004; 23 (02) 85-95
  • 11 McKee MD, Wilson TL, Winston L, Schemitsch EH, Richards RR. Functional outcome following surgical treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures through a posterior approach. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2000; 82 (12) 1701-1707
  • 12 McKee MD, Jupiter JB. A contemporary approach to the management of complex fractures of the distal humerus and their sequelae. Hand Clin 1994; 10 (03) 479-494
  • 13 Aslam N, Willett K. Functional outcome following internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C). Acta Orthop Belg 2004; 70 (02) 118-122
  • 14 Flinkkilä T, Toimela J, Sirniö K, Leppilahti J. Results of parallel plate fixation of comminuted intra-articular distal humeral fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2014; 23 (05) 701-707
  • 15 Korner J, Lill H, Müller LP. , et al. Distal humerus fractures in elderly patients: results after open reduction and internal fixation. Osteoporos Int 2005; 16 (Suppl. 02) S73-S79
  • 16 Hausman M, Panozzo A. Treatment of distal humerus fractures in the elderly. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2004; (425) 55-63
  • 17 Cobb TK, Morrey BF. Total elbow arthroplasty as primary treatment for distal humeral fractures in elderly patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1997; 79 (06) 826-832
  • 18 Lee KT, Lai CH, Singh S. Results of total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly Asian patients. J Trauma 2006; 61 (04) 889-892
  • 19 Sørensen BW, Brorson S, Olsen BS. Primary total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures of the distal humerus. World J Orthop 2014; 5 (03) 368-372
  • 20 Lovy AJ, Keswani A, Koehler SM, Kim J, Hausman M. Short-Term Complications of Distal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients: Open Reduction Internal Fixation Versus Total Elbow Arthroplasty. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil 2016; 7 (01) 39-44

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Radiographic/Tomographic aspects (preoperative): distal humerus fracture (13C3).
Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Radiographic aspects (preoperative): distal humerus fracture (13C3).
Zoom Image
Fig. 3 Tomographic 3D aspects (preoperative): distal humerus fracture (13C3).
Zoom Image
Fig. 4 Intraoperative fluoroscopic aspects. Kirschner wires and or lag screws near the joint line of the distal humerus.
Zoom Image
Fig. 5 Postoperative clinical and radiographic aspects showed the range of motion of the elbow.
Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Aspectos radiográficos/tomográficos (preoperatorios): fractura distal del húmero (13C3).
Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Aspectos radiográficos (preoperatorios): fractura distal del húmero (13C3).
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Fig. 3 Aspectos tomográficos en 3D (preoperatorio): fractura distal del húmero (13C3).
Zoom Image
Fig. 4 Aspectos fluoroscópicos intraoperatorios. Alambres de Kirschner y/o tirafondos cerca de la línea de la articulación del húmero distal.
Zoom Image
Fig. 5 Los aspectos clínicos y radiográficos postoperatorios mostraron el rango de movimiento del codo.
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Fig. 6 Postoperative radiographic aspects – articular congruence radius-capitellum and humerus-ulnar.
Zoom Image
Fig. 6 Aspectos radiográficos postoperatorios - congruencia articular radio-capitellum y húmero-cubital.
Zoom Image
Fig. 7 Radiographic and clinical aspects (immediate postoperative).
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Fig. 8 Clinical aspects (postoperative): right elbow and functional ROM.
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Fig. 9 Postoperative radiographic aspects after 6 months: elbow articular congruence.
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Fig. 7 Aspectos radiográficos y clínicos (postoperatorio inmediato).
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Fig. 8 Aspectos clínicos (postoperatorios): codo derecho y ROM funcional.
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Fig. 9 Aspectos radiográficos postoperatorios después de 6 meses: congruencia articular del codo.