title: Irreducible posterolateral elbow dislocation.
abstract: Elbow dislocations are a high-energy traumatic event resulting in loss of congruence of a stable joint. The majority of elbow dislocations can be reduced by closed means and treated conservatively. We present a case of an irreducible elbow dislocation with reduction blocked by the radial head buttonholed through the lateral ligamentous complex. We performed open reduction with release followed by repair of the lateral ligamentous complex. Clinicians need to understand this unique variant of an elbow dislocation to appropriately treat this operative injury.
authors.forename: Cameron T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: Nick D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Pappas
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt Hand and Upper Extremity Center, Vanderbilt Orthopaedics Institute, Nashville, TN. Donald.h.lee@vanderbilt.edu.
authors.forename: Donald H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries