Treatment of terrible triad injuries at a mean follow-up of nine years.

Background: To evaluate the sustainability of the early clinical and radiological outcomes of terrible triad injuries at long-term follow-up.

Methods: Twelve consecutive patients who underwent fixation of terrible triad injuries with minimum of seven years of follow-up. Functional and radiological outcomes at one year and final follow-up were compared. We assessed Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Quick-Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand, and modified-American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores. Radiological evaluation included Broberg and Morrey classification and Hastings classification for heterotopic ossification.

Results: The mean age of patients was 55 years, with a median follow-up of 9.3 years. At final evaluation, mean flexion, extension, supination, and pronation were 145°, 6°, 82°, and 80°, respectively; mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score, modified-American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores, and Quick-Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand scores were, respectively, 97, 92, and 4.9 points. There was no statistical difference between early and final follow-up range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Quick-Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand. However, radiological changes were observed in 66% of the patients at final follow-up. Two patients underwent reoperation, with final satisfactory results.

Conclusion: Our results suggested that using a standardized protocol, satisfactory clinical outcomes at early follow-up could be maintained over time. However, early complications and osteoarthritic changes at long-term follow-up can be expected.

Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic IV Cases series.