Current Concepts: Simple and Complex Elbow Dislocations – Acute and Definitive Treatment

Abstract

Dislocations of the elbow account for 20% of all dislocations. Thus, after the shoulder, the elbow joint is the joint most frequently afflicted by dislocations. A distinction is made between simple elbowdislocations without associated fractures and fracture-dislocations of the elbow, which are frequently referred to as complex elbow dislocations. Treatment principles are reduction of the joint, stabilization of associated fractures, and early motion. Ligament repairs or reconstruction and hinged external fixators are necessary in some cases to restore stability for early motion. In general, simple dislocations have a better prognosis than complex dislocations.

Vascular Injury Following a Fall Onto an Outstretched Hand

“…These include fractures of the radial head and neck (most common), olecranon, and distal humerus. 5 Open elbow fractures are rare, as are vascular injuries (5%-13% of cases). 6 When present, vascular elbow injuries usually involve the brachial artery, and display abnormal palpable and Doppler assessment of the brachial and radial arteries.…”

Traumatic Elbow Instability

“…The elbow can dislocate with the anterior band of the MCL still intact, but in most injuries a complete capsuloligamentous disruption occurs with a variable degree of injury to the common flexor and extensor muscles crossing the elbow. 5,9 Some simple elbow dislocations may occur through a distinct varus posteromedial injury mechanism tearing the soft tissue structures from medial to lateral. A small anteromedial facet coronoid fracture can be a hallmark of this injury mechanism.…”

Reparation of radial head chronic fracture-dislocation of ulnar joint using bone autografts

“…Повреждения локтевого сустава отличаются многообразием и среди них наиболее сложными и проблемными являются переломовывихи [1,5,6,11]. Ошибки, допущенные при лечении свежих переломовывихов, приводят к неблагоприятным результатам, в том числе и к переводу их в категорию застарелых [12].…”