[Simple elbow dislocations in children : Systematic review and meta-analysis]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Traumatology

Background:

• Simple elbow dislocations are uncommon in children but carry significant risks for long-term functional deficits.
• Treatment strategies for pediatric elbow dislocations remain a subject of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on simple elbow dislocations in children.
• To establish evidence-based recommendations for optimal treatment protocols.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed using Ovid Medline.
• Four studies met the inclusion criteria, analyzing data from 81 pediatric patients.
• Descriptive analysis and meta-analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• Posterior and posterolateral dislocations were most frequent (73%).
• Conservative treatment with immobilization exceeding two weeks yielded an 88% success rate.
• Surgical intervention for delayed reductions (over three weeks) showed a lower success rate (42%).

Conclusions:

• Simple elbow dislocations in children, predominantly posterior, have a favorable prognosis.
• Prompt diagnosis and accurate reduction are crucial for successful outcomes in pediatric elbow injuries.