An unusual case of elbow dislocation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Elbow dislocations are common, second only to shoulder dislocations, with an incidence of 6-8 per 100,000 annually in the US.
• Classified by displacement direction (anterior, posterior, lateral, divergent), posterior dislocations are most frequent.
• Associated fractures are common, but this report focuses on a rare case without bony injury.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old woman presented with acute right elbow pain, swelling, and forearm pronation after a fall.
• Clinical examination revealed no neurovascular deficits.
• Imaging confirmed a dislocation without associated fractures.

Findings:

• Closed reduction under local anesthesia successfully restored elbow joint alignment.
• Post-reduction, there were no neurovascular complications.
• One-year follow-up showed no ectopic calcification and a stable joint with a full range of motion.

Implications:

• This case underscores that elbow dislocations can occur without fractures, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.
• Early active mobilization, avoiding forceful passive motion, is crucial for optimal recovery and preventing complications like myositis ossificans.
• Effective management leads to stable joints and full functional recovery in elbow dislocation patients.