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Review
. 2023 Aug;54(8):110889.
doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.110889. Epub 2023 Jun 15.

Current concepts in the management of "Terrible Triad" injuries of the elbow

Rebecca Waterworth  1 , Graham Finlayson  2 , Marieta Franklin  3 , Monu Jabbal  4 , Alastair Faulkner  5 , Brendan Gallagher  6
Affiliations
Review

Current concepts in the management of "Terrible Triad" injuries of the elbow

Rebecca Waterworth et al. Injury. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Terrible triad injuries of the elbow are complex injuries which can result in long term complications and significant disability. They must be identified correctly, and managed appropriately in order to maximise functional outcomes. A clear understanding of the bony and ligamentous anatomy is essential to plan appropriate surgical reconstruction to provide elbow stability. Urgent reduction of the elbow, followed by 3-dimensional imaging and surgical repair or replacement of the injured structures is the mainstay of treatment in the majority of cases. This review presents a summary of the relevant anatomy and the evidence for the management of these complex injuries.

Keywords: Elbow fracture-dislocation; Elbow instability; Elbow trauma; Terrible triad injury.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication. Additionally there has been no financial support for this work that has influenced its outcome.

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