An unusual case of elbow dislocation

The annual incidence of elbow dislocation is 6 to 8 cases per 100,000 in the United States; these dislocations represent 11% to 28% of all elbow injuries. The frequency of elbow dislocation is second to that of shoulder dislocation. Adult elbow dislocations are classified by the direction of displacement and associated fractures. They can be anterior, posterior, lateral, or divergent, with the most common type being posterior displacement of both the radius and ulna in relation to the distal humerus. This case report presents a rare case of a twisting dislocation of the elbow joint without any accompanying fracture. A 55-year-old woman presented with a swollen and painful right elbow joint and a pronated forearm after falling on her outstretched right arm. Closed reduction was performed under local anesthetic. No neurovascular deficit was recorded before or after reduction, and no ectopic calcification was observed at 1 year follow-up. Early mobilization of the elbow resulted in a stable joint with full range of motion. The rehabilitation of elbow dislocation ranges from aggressive immediate active motion to traditional plaster of Paris immobilization for several days. Forceful passive mobilization in the rehabilitation period must be avoided, since the elbow joint has a natural tendency to develop myositis ossificans following passive manipulation.