The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 70, Issue 2 244-249, Copyright © 1988 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Simple dislocation of the elbow in the adult. Results after closed treatment
TL Mehlhoff, PC Noble, JB Bennett and HS Tullos
Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
The long-term results after treatment of simple dislocation of the elbow in
fifty-two adults were evaluated with regard to limitation of motion, pain,
instability, and residual neurovascular deficit. All patients were treated
with traditional closed reduction, but the duration of immobilization
before commencement of active motion varied. Goniometric, photographic, and
radiographic data were compiled for these patients, who had an average
follow-up of 34.4 months. Despite the generally favorable prognosis for
this injury, 60 per cent of the patients reported some symptoms on
follow-up. A flexion contracture of more than 30 degrees was documented in
15 per cent of the patients; residual pain, in 45 per cent; and pain on
valgus stress, in 35 per cent. Prolonged immobilization after injury was
strongly associated with an unsatisfactory result. The longer the
immobilization had been, the larger the flexion contracture (p less than
0.001) and the more severe the symptoms of pain were. The results indicate
that early active motion is the key factor in rehabilitation of the elbow
after a dislocation.
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