Effectiveness of the Lateral Unilateral Dynamic External Fixator After Elbow Ligament Injury

Abstract

A lateral dynamic elbow external fixator is capable of maintaining varus displacements within normal limits in the presence of medial and lateral collateral ligament injuries and with a 7-N load added to the limb. However, valgus displacement is only consistently maintained within normal limits if no additional displacement force is added to the weight of the hand and forearm. The maintenance of valgus displacement is more sensitive to additional load and specifically to the extent of medial soft-tissue injury.