RESUMO
Dislocations of the elbow during growth are rare but because of associated fractures a range of therapeutic methods are employed. The postoperative care is even more varied, so the scientific working group of the section for pediatric trauma of the DGU developed the following recommendations for the treatment of elbow dislocations in children and adolescents based on own experience and a review of the literature. Diagnosis is made from radiographs with at least one (preferably lateral) view showing the dislocation. Reduction is considered urgent and should be done as atraumatically as possible with the patient under general anesthesia. After reduction, mobility and stability of the elbow are assessed and associated fractures have to be ruled out by fluoroscopy while the patient is still under anesthesia. Any fractures requiring operative treatment should be addressed at this time. A short-term immobilization should be ordered according to the degree of injury and the stability of any osteosynthesis. The aim should always be to initiate mobilization as soon as possible with immobilization lasting not longer than 3 weeks in any case. Mobilization is initially limited to the activities of daily life at first. 6 weeks after reduction physiotherapy may be initiated as warranted and patients can participate in sports again. An MRI of the elbow may be necessary if there are persistent problems. Even if a measurable loss of range of motion is often recorded, prognosis regarding a good functional outcome is favorable.