Functional outcomes of elbow injuries managed according to the Wrightington classification of elbow fracture-dislocations

Background: This study aims to review the functional outcomes of patients managed by the application of the Wrightington elbow fracture-dislocation classification system and its corresponding management algorithms. Methods: This is a retrospective consecutive case series of patients over the age of 16 with an elbow fracture-dislocation managed according to the Wrightington classification. The primary outcome was the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at the last follow-up. Range of movement (ROM) and complications were collected as a secondary outcome. Results: Sixty patients qualified for inclusion (32 female, 28 male) with a mean age of 48 years (19–84). Fifty-eight (97%) patients completed a minimum of three months follow-up. Mean follow-up was six months (3–18). The median MEPS at the final follow-up was 100 (interquartile range [IQR] 85–100) and median ROM of 123° (IQR 101–130) degrees. Four patients underwent secondary surgery and had improved outcomes with the average MEPS score improving from 65 to 94 following the second surgery. Conclusions: The results of this study show that good outcomes can be achieved for complex elbow fracture-dislocations through pattern recognition and management with an anatomically based reconstruction algorithm as described by the Wrightington classification system.