Pure elbow dislocation in the paediatric age group.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical results and prognosis of pure elbow dislocations in the paediatric age group following non-surgical treatment. METHODS: Acute traumatic pure elbow dislocations treated between January 2008 and January 2013 were evaluated. The median age was eight years. The mean follow-up time was 46 months. Active and passive range of motion (ROM), elbow stability, neurovascular status, functional status and any early or late complications were evaluated and recorded at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: The mean flexion-extension ROM was measured as 119.5 degrees. The mean pronation and supination were 67 and 79 degrees. Moderate instability was diagnosed in four cases. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) score was 91.6 points; the clinical outcome was excellent in nine patients, good in two and fair in one. CONCLUSIONS: Acute traumatic pure elbow dislocation in childhood is a very rarely seen emergency that can be treated safely with closed reduction combined long-arm plaster splinting and physical rehabilitation.