The Management of Elbow Dislocations and Associated Lesions: A Review Article

Abstract

Dislocations around the elbow joint can be isolated (termed a simple elbow dislocation), or occur with concurrent ligamentous and/or bony injuries. In cases of a simple elbow dislocation, surgery is rarely required. Patients should be evaluated radiographically for a concentric reduction, immobilized for 7-10 days, and begin early range of motion activities. In patients who return for follow-up with no bony injuries but a loss of concentric reduction, surgical treatment is recommended. This may consist of static or dynamic external/internal fixation or direct repair of the damaged ligamentous structures. Fractures associated with elbow dislocations may be difficult to identify and require computed tomography (CT) scans to characterize. A terrible triad injury consists of a radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and ulnohumeral dislocation. This may be associated with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and/or medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries. These injuries require operative treatment with open reduction and internal fixation of the coronoid, fixation or replacement of the radial head, and repair of damaged ligamentous structures, depending on the specific injuries.