Cannulated Screw Fixation of Elbow Fracture

Elbow fractures are notorious for stiffness and problems. This patient's initial x-ray (upper left hand corner) shows a displaced capitellum fracture, an injury that prevents the patient from moving their elbow and would heal very poorly if not operated on.

Thankfully, modern techniques using cannulated screws can prevent the need for large plates or other metalwork that could impinge on joint motion and cause stiffness or other joint problems.

This surgery is done through an incision over the lateral (outside) part of the elbow. The fracture is realigned, and both direct visualization and imaging are used to confirm that the piece is back where it should be. Then, two high-tech headless compression screws are placed to stabilize the fragment. These screws are buried beneath the cartilage surface so they are not in the joint.

The patient began range of motion exercises within one week of the surgery, and attained excellent functional results when bony healing was achieved.