[Surgical treatment of neglected elbow dislocations. Report of 81 cases]

The neglected dislocations of the elbow are rare in Europe. In Africa, amongst 81 operated cases, during 10 years, 52 were seen again, with a follow-up between 4 months and 7 years. From this group, the authors are trying to define the place of open reductions and resections of the lower end of humerus. The surgical indications were set up in accordance with functional discomfort. The results of open reductions and those of resections were satisfactory, respectively in 72 per cent and 74 per cent of the cases in flexion-extension movement, and 31 per cent and 41 per cent in the pronosupination. The open reduction remains often possible, even after significant delay. The resections are more mutilating, and they involve risks of laxity. They should be reserved to immediate and late failures. The place of the prosthetic surgery in this ailment is not yet defined.