A 7-year Prospective Epidemiological Study of Acute Elbow Admissions to a Trauma Unit

Abstract

Introduction: This study represents an analysis of data collected prospectively over a seven-year period to our trauma unit, to identify the epidemiological background behind the admissions of patients with acute elbow problems and to highlight the impact of these admissions on our trauma service. Method: Nearly 16,000 patients were included in our database. The admissions were initially categorized into A) fractures/dislocations or B) soft tissue trauma. The fractures/dislocations were then further classified by radiographic anatomical location, with data also collected on length of stay and operative management. In total 509 admissions were included in this study; 193 were paediatric cases and 316 were adults. This included 428 admissions with fractures/dislocations and 81 cases of soft tissue trauma. Conclusion: In conclusion, this data allows us to identify relative frequency of acute elbow conditions, including the incidence of common fracture patterns. These figures help to facilitate resource planning, such as expertise amongst personnel or the acquisition of equipment, including radial head replacement, elbow arthroplasty, and periarticular locking plates.