Posterior dislocation of the elbow in children

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

• Traumatic elbow dislocations are common in children.
• Understanding associated injuries and treatment outcomes is crucial for pediatric orthopedic care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of traumatic elbow dislocations in a pediatric population.
• To identify factors influencing treatment success and long-term functional results.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 58 pediatric traumatic elbow dislocations over a 5-year period.
• Analysis of patient demographics, injury patterns, associated fractures, treatment interventions, and clinical outcomes.
• Classification of results using excellent, good, fair, and poor categories.

Main Results:

• Posterior dislocations were most common in children aged 6-15 years.
• Associated fractures occurred in 64% of cases, frequently involving the medial epicondyle.
• Surgical intervention was required in 33% of cases, primarily for associated fractures; 10% failed closed reduction.
• Overall outcomes were 21 excellent, 12 good, 4 fair, and 2 poor, with functional impairment only in the poor outcome cases due to radioulnar synostosis secondary to radial neck fractures.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric traumatic elbow dislocations generally have favorable outcomes with appropriate management.
• Associated fractures significantly impact treatment decisions and prognosis.
• Radioulnar synostosis following radial neck fractures is a predictor of poor functional outcomes.