Dislocations of the Elbow and Intraarticular Fractures

Abstract

Of 23 patients with an elbow dislocation associated with at least one displaced fracture of the radial head, 19 patients had the radial head extirpated two days (range, 0–16 days) after injury. In four elbows, redislocation occurred. All four re-dislocations were associated with a displaced fracture of the coronoid process. A follow-up examination was performed in 19 patients between three and 34 years after the injury. Severe osteoarthritis with reduced joint space developed in 12 elbows. Reduced range of motion was the most common complaint, and reduced extension was the most common finding. To lower the risk and prevent severe instability, the radial head should be preserved if possible. If the radial head must be resected, suturing of torn ligaments and muscles at the epicondyles is essential.