Current Concepts: Simple and Complex Elbow Dislocations - Acute and Definitive Treatment

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Elbow dislocations represent 20% of all joint dislocations, making them the second most common after shoulder dislocations.
• A clear distinction exists between simple elbow dislocations and complex fracture-dislocations, impacting treatment and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the epidemiological significance of elbow dislocations.
• To detail the established treatment principles for elbow dislocations, including simple and complex types.
• To compare the general prognosis between simple and complex elbow dislocations.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on joint dislocations.
• Analysis of treatment principles for elbow dislocations: reduction, stabilization, and early motion.
• Evaluation of surgical interventions such as ligament repair/reconstruction and external fixators for complex cases.

Main Results:

• Elbow dislocations are the second most frequent type after shoulder dislocations.
• Treatment universally involves joint reduction, fracture stabilization, and early mobilization.
• Complex dislocations may necessitate ligament repair, reconstruction, or hinged external fixators for stability.

Conclusions:

• Simple elbow dislocations generally exhibit a more favorable prognosis compared to complex fracture-dislocations.
• Effective management hinges on accurate diagnosis, appropriate reduction, stabilization, and timely initiation of motion.
• Advanced techniques may be required to restore stability and enable early motion in complex cases.