title: Unstable elbow dislocations.
abstract: Seventeen patients with a posterior dislocation of the elbow and either no fracture or a minimal capsuloligamentous avulsion fracture were treated operatively for persistent redislocation after manipulative reduction. Fifteen had open reduction and ligament repair (3 with ancillary hinged external fixation), and 2 infirm patients had closed reduction and cross pinning of the elbow joint. Among the 12 patients treated with ligament repair alone, 1 redislocated (treated with a second surgery for hinged external fixation) and 4 had residual subluxation (treated with temporary casting of protected active exercises) after ligament repair alone (42% residual instability). A concentric, stable elbow was eventually achieved in all 17 patients. The average flexion arc was 113 degrees . The average Broberg and Morrey score was 88, with 3 excellent, 10 good, and 2 fair results. A small percentage of elbow dislocations require operative treatment. Ligament repair alone may not be sufficient, and protection with a hinged external fixator is recommended.
authors: Edinburgh University Medical School, Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Andrew D
authors: AD
authors: Duckworth
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Ring
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Kulijdian
authors: Michael D
authors: MD
authors: McKee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D000092464:Elbow Injuries