Anterior elbow dislocation without fracture in an adult: a rare injury pattern

BMJ Case Rep. 2019 Sep 30;12(9):e230115. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2019-230115.

Abstract

Anterior elbow dislocation without periarticular fracture (simple dislocation) is an extremely rare injury and is usually caused by distraction or torsional forces. It is important to look for associated ligamentous and musculotendinous injuries in this pattern. We report an elderly patient who sustained simple anterior dislocation of the elbow and in whom successful closed reduction could be achieved. Reduction by closed method is possible if we know the exact mechanism of elbow injury. Despite the presence of medial collateral ligament injury, he was managed non-operatively and had full functional recovery. Checking for joint stability and collateral ligaments after reduction and getting additional radiological investigations help in better treatment planning. Early protected active mobilisation should be initiated to achieve better functional results.

Keywords: elbow fracture; elbow instability; injuries; joint interposition; ligament rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Collateral Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
  • Collateral Ligaments / injuries*
  • Collateral Ligaments / physiopathology
  • Conservative Treatment
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations / physiopathology*
  • Joint Dislocations / therapy
  • Male
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / physiopathology*
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
  • Treatment Outcome