Synovial Fluid Analysis of Intraarticular Elbow Fracture

Synovial Fluid Analysis of Intraarticular Elbow Fracture

The objective of this study is to obtain and compare bilateral elbow joint synovial fluid from patients with unilateral intraarticular elbow fracture and a contralateral healthy appearing elbow joint. The synovial fluid samples will undergo several forms of analysis for metabolites and proteins. Matched-pair statistical analysis will be performed to determine the metabolites and proteins that may play the greatest role in development of joint contracture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and older
• Intraarticular elbow fracture (humerus, radial head and/or ulna fracture)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years
• Open elbow fracture
• Bilateral elbow fractures
• Patients with history of osteomyelitis of elbow
• Inflammatory arthropathy (ie. Rheumatoid arthritis)
• Prior surgery on fractured elbow