Major Research Findings

Various treatment methods for elbow injuries and disorders have been studied, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, 1 suggests that radial head arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for severe elbow injuries, known as terrible triad injuries, in which the radial head is significantly fragmented and cannot be reconstructed. However, this treatment method is not recommended for individuals with poor elbow skin conditions, accompanying neuropsychiatric disorders, or low patient compliance.

2 reports that musculofascial Z-lengthening of the flexor-pronator mass is effective for chronic medial epicondylitis. This surgery is considered easier to perform than traditional tendon debridement, and it also carries a lower risk of iatrogenic complications.

3 presents research showing the effectiveness of a combined intramedullary nail and anterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis procedure for distal third humeral shaft fractures. This treatment method is reported to have a lower complication rate and higher bone healing rate compared to traditional methods.

4 provides a case report indicating that botulinum toxin can be a safe and effective adjunct for fracture immobilization in patients with distal humerus fractures who experience Parkinson’s disease-associated psychosis. Botulinum toxin helps immobilize the limb and protect the surgical site during the perioperative period.

5 compares open surgery and arthroscopic surgery for elbow osteoarthritis. The two-year follow-up results showed that both treatment methods have advantages and disadvantages, and risk factors for complications, such as infection, were identified.

6 describes an intervention using wearable inertial sensors and workplace-based exercises to reduce lateral epicondylitis in a textile logistics center. This intervention, including workplace-based exercise programs, risk factor evaluation, and movement correction, effectively reduced the risk of lateral epicondylitis.

7 conducted a bibliometric and visualization study on the global research trends and hotspots in lateral epicondylitis over the past 30 years. The results show that research on lateral epicondylitis has been increasing in recent years, particularly in the United States.

8 explores the possibility of blood group as a risk factor for lateral epicondylitis, an area not previously investigated in the literature.

9 investigates the prevalence of comorbidities and demographic trends in surgically and non-surgically treated distal humerus fracture patients. This study found that distal humerus fractures are associated with various comorbidities, including cerebrovascular disease, dementia, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and more. It also highlights demographic differences between surgical and non-surgical treatment groups.

10 evaluates the outcomes of pediatric patients with displaced radial neck fractures and olecranon fractures treated using absorbable rods and Kirschner wires.

11 discusses the treatment of “terrible triad injuries,” a complex injury pattern characterized by posterior elbow dislocation and concomitant radial head and coronoid fractures. Due to the involvement of multiple bone and ligament structures critical for elbow stability, these injuries pose a significant challenge for treating trauma surgeons. Surgery is often required to achieve a stable and congruent elbow joint, enabling early functional follow-up treatment and minimizing complications.

suggests that in-situ ulnar nerve decompression alone can minimize iatrogenic injury for distal humerus fractures.

12 presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing operative and nonoperative interventions for chronic calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. The meta-analysis compares the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments, such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasonography-guided needling (UGN), with surgical treatments.

13 reports a prospective randomized controlled study investigating the effectiveness of arthroscopic “hybrid” suture for delaminated rotator cuff tears. This study compares the effectiveness of “en masse” suture, which repairs the tear in a single mass, with “hybrid” suture, which involves a combination of en masse and double-layer repair.

14 investigates the inter-surgeon agreement on the diagnosis of pseudoparalysis in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. Pseudoparalysis is commonly used to describe patients with severe loss of active elevation due to advanced rotator cuff disease, but its definition varies in the literature. This study found that there is limited agreement among expert shoulder surgeons on the diagnosis of pseudoparalysis.

15 explores the possibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a predictor of conservative treatment outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis. The study determined the relationship between MRI-defined disease severity and treatment outcomes, suggesting that MRI could be a useful tool for predicting outcomes.

16 identifies factors associated with 30-day morbidity and mortality following the surgical treatment of isolated olecranon fractures. The study found that older age, smoking, bleeding disorders, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification were associated with readmission, reoperation, and mortality.

17 compares the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid injections in the treatment of rotator cuff diseases. While both PRP and corticosteroids are used in treatment, few reviews have compared their effects. This study aims to compare the effects of these two treatments on the prognosis of rotator cuff diseases.

18 examines the safety, feasibility, and advantages of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) via an anteromedial approach for middle and middle-distal humeral fractures. This cadaveric study and clinical case series explores the use of this minimally invasive technique to reduce the risk of iatrogenic radial nerve injury during surgical treatment for these fractures.

treatmentまとめ

1 discusses radial head arthroplasty as a treatment option for terrible triad injuries.

2 describes musculofascial Z-lengthening for the management of chronic medial epicondylitis.

3 presents a combined intramedullary nail and anterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis procedure for distal third humeral shaft fractures.

4 highlights botulinum toxin as an adjunctive therapy for fracture immobilization in specific patient populations.

5 compares open and arthroscopic surgery for elbow osteoarthritis.

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Research indicates that various treatment methods for elbow injuries and disorders can be effective. It is crucial to select the appropriate treatment based on the individual patient's condition.

Risk Summary

Each treatment method carries inherent risks, including infection, nerve damage, and fracture recurrence. It is vital to discuss the risks and benefits with a physician before undergoing any treatment.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

These studies share the objective of assessing the effectiveness of different treatment methods for elbow injuries. They emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate treatment based on the individual patient's condition.

Differences

The studies differ in the types of injuries, treatment methods, and study designs. While direct comparisons may be challenging, each study provides insights into the effectiveness and risks of various treatment options for elbow injuries.

Consistency and Inconsistencies in Findings

While the studies suggest the effectiveness of various treatment methods for elbow injuries, some inconsistencies exist in the findings. For example, 5 compares open surgery and arthroscopic surgery for elbow osteoarthritis, revealing that both methods have advantages and disadvantages and identifying specific risk factors for complications. This finding suggests that the optimal treatment for elbow osteoarthritis may vary based on individual patient characteristics.

Implications for Everyday Life

These research findings suggest that various effective treatment options exist for elbow injuries. However, it's important to remember that these studies are conducted on specific patient populations and may not apply to every individual. It's essential to consult with a physician to understand the risks and benefits of treatment options before making a decision.

Limitations of Current Research

The studies reviewed have some limitations, including relatively small sample sizes, which may make generalizing the findings challenging. Additionally, the focus on specific treatments sometimes leads to a lack of comparison with alternative options. Furthermore, some studies may not assess long-term outcomes.

Future Directions for Research

Future research should aim to conduct large-scale studies with larger patient populations and assess long-term outcomes. Comparisons between various treatment options are also needed, as well as studies focused on identifying the optimal treatment based on individual patient characteristics.

Conclusion

Various treatment methods for elbow injuries and disorders have been studied, suggesting potential effectiveness. It is crucial to select the appropriate treatment based on the individual patient's condition. It is important to discuss risks and benefits with a physician before undergoing treatment. Future research should address limitations in current studies, focusing on larger sample sizes, long-term outcomes, comparisons between treatment options, and identifying the optimal treatment based on individual patient characteristics.

Treatment List

Radial head arthroplasty, musculofascial Z-lengthening, intramedullary nail and anterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, botulinum toxin, open surgery, arthroscopic surgery, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasonography-guided needling (UGN), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, corticosteroid injections, minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO), in-situ ulnar nerve decompression.