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05:16
Maintenance of a Lateral Fluid Percussion Injury Device
Published on: April 21, 2023
964
Pediatric Elbow Dislocations and Associated Fractures.
Laura Lewallen1, Marilyn E Elliott2, Amy McIntosh3,4
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Pediatric elbow dislocations without fractures often heal with closed reduction. However, nearly 40% of elbow dislocations with associated fractures, particularly medial epicondyle fractures, require surgical intervention (ORIF).
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute elbow dislocations are common pediatric injuries.
- Determining the need for surgical intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pediatric patients with acute elbow dislocations and associated fractures.
- To identify indications for surgical intervention in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 117 pediatric patients (age ≤ 18) presenting with acute elbow dislocation.
- Analysis of injury types (simple dislocation vs. associated fracture) and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- All 37 simple elbow dislocations were successfully treated with closed reduction.
- 38% (30/80) of dislocations with associated fractures required open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).
- Medial epicondyle fractures (59 total) had a 41% ORIF rate; lateral condyle fractures (9 total) had a 56% ORIF rate.
Conclusions:
- Simple pediatric elbow dislocations can be managed non-operatively.
- Associated fractures, especially medial epicondyle and lateral condyle, frequently necessitate surgical management (ORIF).
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