[Dislocation of the adult elbow joint]

Dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the elbow joint result in typical injury patterns of variable joint instability. A systematic and early in-depth analysis of the injury components offers the approach to the options of therapy and the evaluation of the risk potential of the individual lesion. Standardized diagnostic algorithms help to avoid an inadequate assessment of the extent of injury. With regard to the choice of therapy finding a balance between the concentric reduction of the elbow joint, stability and an early regain of motion provides the key to a good functional outcome. A great number of simple elbow dislocations have a good prognosis and can be managed with early motion due to the inherent joint stability after closed reduction. In contrast, the more rare osteo-ligamentous combination injuries have a poor prognosis if the corresponding injury components are not adequately recognized and addressed by a mostly technically demanding surgical treatment to avoid the otherwise impending typical complications. A standardized surgical algorithm may provide the basis to achieve a satisfactory functional result in this challenging clinical entity of elbow trauma.