Reconstructing an unstable medial elbow complicated by medial epicondyle non-union: case report

Reconstruction of the medial support system of the elbow joint was perfomed after dislocation in a 54-year-old man with pseudoarthrosis at the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The patient fell and dislocated the elbow. Although it was manually reduced, the medial side of the elbow remained extremely unstable. The medial epicondyle of the humerus had an old pseudoarthrosis and the bone fragment of the medial epicondyle was dislocated at the level of the humeroulrar joint. Because conservative therapy would result in an unstable medial side of the joint, an unique method for reconstruction of the medial support system of the elbow was performed. The tendon of the palmaris longus muscle was placed between the dislocated bone fragment of the medial epicondyle and it's original position of the humerus. A good result was obtained.