[Conservative treatment of elbow dislocations]

Ligamentous injuries following dislocations of the elbow joint are a primary indication for nonsurgical treatment. The principles of closed reduction are longitudinal traction of the forearm, followed by flexion. The period of immobilization in a plaster cast should be decided on an individual basis. For elbows that show no tendency to redislocate, immobilization for no more than 1 week should suffice. For elbows with a tendency to redislocate 2-3 weeks' immobilization is recommended. Radiological follow-up shows a high percentage of degenerative changes, i.e. subchondral sclerosis, osteophytosis, periarticular calcification, irregularities in the epicondyles. In addition to slight degenerative changes, there are few subjective complaints and functional impairments. Now evidence has been found to recommend primary surgical treatment of ligamentous injuries associated with dislocation of the elbow.