1 Suture technique
Using #1 Fiberwire
TM
, Krackow sutures are placed in the
medial and lateral collateral ligaments and common flexor
and extensor origins respectively. Utilizing suture passer,
the sutures are drawn through the cannulated humeral screw
in the implant and tied. The suture ends are passed around
the ulna and tied to prevent elbow subluxation in the
postoperative period.
The triceps is repaired to the olecranon using #5 Ethibond
TM
suture with locking Krackow technique. Drill holes are placed
in the ulna to ensure a strong postoperative repair.
2 Postoperative recommendations
• Unlinked TEA
The elbow is splinted at 60° in a well padded splint for 24-48
hours depending on skin quality. Active flexion and gravity
assisted extension is performed with forearm in neutral
rotation. Active extension is avoided for 6 weeks to protect
the triceps repair. Prosupination is performed with the elbow
in flexion.
A collar and cuff or sling is used between exercises for
the first 6 weeks. Extension splinting at night may be used
to assist in regaining elbow extension after four weeks.
Light strengthening is initiated 10 weeks postoperatively.
• Linked TEA
The elbow is splinted in full extension with a well padded
splint for 24-48 hours. Active flexion and prosupination
is performed without restriction. Gravity assisted extension
is used to protect the triceps repair for 6 weeks. If a triceps
sparing approach was used, active extension is permitted
immediately postoperatively. Light strengthening is initiated
10 weeks postoperatively.
Night extension splinting is initiated immediately
postoperatively to maximize elbow extension.
37
Latitude Elbow Prosthesis
13. SUTURE TECHNIQUE AND CLOSURE
Instruments to use
Suture passer
(fig. 62a)
(fig. 62b)
(fig. 63)
SUTURE TECHNIQUE
AND CLOSURE
Fiberwire
TM
is a trademark from Arthrex, FL.
Ethibond
TM
is a trademark from Johnson & Johnson, NJ.
Latitude Elbow Prosthesis Surgical Technique UCLT101
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