[Isolated dislocation of the elbow].
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the results of non surgical management of isolated dislocation (without any fractures) of the elbow in adult.


METHODS
We reviewed with an average follow up of 36 months 22 patients (22 elbows) who had been treated conservatively after a first episode of posterior dislocation of the elbow.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients (86%) reported an excellent or a good subjective result, although 64% suffered occasionally from pain. None had presented a recurrent dislocation. At physical examination, 27% had a restricted extension of the elbow of 10 degrees and more, and 27% had some kind of chronic laxity. Fifty percent had modifications visible on the X-rays. We found no correlation between laxity and duration of immobilization. At contrary, patients who were immobilized for a longer time than 3 weeks suffered more often of a painful restricted extension of the elbow.


CONCLUSIONS
Conservative management of posterior dislocation of the elbow has a good prognosis. Occasional pain and chronic laxity are often present but well supported. Early mobilization decreases the risk of permanent limited extension of the elbow.
Farron
A
A
Service universitaire d'orthopédie et de chirurgie de l'appareil moteur, Hôpital orthopédique de la Suisse romande et CHUV, Lausanne.
Ménétrey
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D000092464:Elbow Injuries