Single Modified Posterior Approach through the Space of the Proximal Radioulnar Joint for Terrible Triad Injury: A Comparative Study

Objective In order to reduce surgical scars and the risk of neurovascular injury for the treatment of terrible triad injuries of the elbow (TTI), minimally invasive and better therapeutic effect approaches are being explored to replace the conventional combined lateral and medial approach (CLMA). This study was performed to compare the clinical effect and security of the modified posterior approach (MPA) through the space of the proximal radioulnar joint vs the CLMA for treatment of TTI. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 76 patients treated for TTI from January 2009 to December 2020 (MPA: n = 44; CLMA: n = 32). Treatment involved plate and screw fixation or Steinmann pin fixation for the radial head and ulnar coronoid process fractures. Surgeons only sutured the lateral ligament because the medial collateral ligament was usually integrated in the TTI. The continuous variables were compared by the independent Student t-test and the categorical variables by the chi(2)-test or Fisher's exact test. Results Both groups of patients attained a satisfactory MEPS after the operation. The MEPS (MPA: 96.82 +/- 6.04 vs CLMA: 96.56 +/- 5.51) was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the MPA resulted in better elbow flexion and extension (MPA: 123.98 +/- 10.09 vs CLMA: 117.66 +/- 8.29), better forearm rotation function (MPA: 173.41 +/- 6.81 vs CLMA: 120.00 +/- 12.18), and less intraoperative hemoglobin (MPA: 9.34 +/- 5.64 vs CLMA: 16.5 +/- 8.75) and red cell volume loss (MPA: 3.09 +/- 2.20 vs CLMA: 6.70 +/- 2.97) (All p < 0.05). Although the CLMA had a shorter surgery time (MPA: 171.73 +/- 80.68 vs CLMA: 130.16 +/- 71.50) (p < 0.05), it had a higher risk of neurologic damage (MPA: 0 vs CLMA: 4) (p < 0.05). Four patients developed forearm or hand numbness after the CLMA, but no patients developed numbness after the MPA. All 76 patients were followed up for 15 months postoperatively. Conclusion The MPA through the space of the proximal radioulnar joint has more prominent advantages than the CLMA for TTI, including single scar, clear exposure, good fixation, lower risk of neurovascular injury, and better elbow joint motion. It is a safe and effective surgical approach that is worthy of clinical promotion.