[Elbow joint dislocation : Frequent concomitant injuries and current treatment concepts]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Sports Medicine

Context:

• Elbow joint dislocations are frequent injuries, second only to shoulder dislocations.
• These injuries predominantly affect young adults during athletic or daily activities.
• Clinical management is challenged by concomitant injuries and potential complications.

Purpose:

• To highlight the prevalence and complexity of elbow joint dislocations.
• To emphasize the lack of a uniform classification and treatment algorithm for simple elbow dislocations with associated injuries.
• To advocate for a standardized approach to optimize early treatment and prevent chronic instability or stiffness.

Summary:

• Elbow dislocations are common, especially in young adults, and present significant clinical challenges due to associated injuries.
• Current classification and treatment algorithms are insufficient, particularly for simple dislocations with ligamentous, muscular, and capsular damage.
• A standardized approach is crucial for timely and appropriate management, navigating the path between chronic instability and elbow stiffness.

Impact:

• A standardized approach can improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely and accurate treatment selection.
• This can reduce the incidence of long-term complications such as chronic elbow instability and joint stiffness.
• Enhanced understanding and management protocols can benefit young adults participating in sports and daily activities.