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Recent trends in children's elbow dislocation with or without a concomitant fracture
Hanna Hyvönen1, Linda Korhonen2, Juuli Hannonen2
1Department of Children and Adolescents Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research, Group Oulu University, PO Box 23, 90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland. hanna_hyvonen@yahoo.com.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|June 20, 2019
Summary
Childhood elbow dislocations remain common, but their incidence has not increased, unlike upper-extremity fractures. Most pediatric elbow dislocations are treated non-operatively, with no change in surgical treatment trends observed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Elbow dislocations are the most common joint dislocations in children.
- Trends in pediatric elbow dislocation incidence and treatment are not well-understood, contrasting with rising upper-extremity fracture rates.
- This study investigates changes in childhood elbow dislocation epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the recent epidemiology of childhood elbow dislocation.
- To determine if the incidence of elbow dislocations in children has changed.
- To analyze trends in the treatment of pediatric elbow dislocations.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study analyzed data from 1996-2014 in the Oulu University Hospital District, Finland.
- Included were all children under 16 years with elbow dislocations, with or without associated fractures.
- The study evaluated annual incidence, injury characteristics, patient demographics, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- The annual incidence of elbow dislocation was 6.4 per 100,000 children, showing no significant trend over the study period.
- Trampoline jumping was the most frequent cause of dislocation (14.4%).
- Most cases (70.2%) were treated non-operatively with reduction and casting; surgical treatment rates remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Unlike upper-extremity fractures, the incidence of elbow dislocations in children has not increased.
- Treatment strategies for pediatric elbow dislocations have remained consistent, with non-operative management being predominant.
- The findings provide important epidemiological data on childhood elbow injuries.