Elbow dislocation

Question 1

Prevalence

Answer 1

Occur in young adults

Question 2

Are elbows commonly dislocated posteriorly or anteriorly

Answer 2

Posteriorly

Question 3

Mechanism of injury

Answer 3

High-energy fall

Question 4

Presentation

Answer 4

Painful and deformed
Associated swelling
Decreased function

Question 5

Neurosvascular compromise

Answer 5

Ulnar nerve palsy

Question 6

Investigations

Answer 6

ATLS

Xray - AP and lateral

Question 7

Xray findings

Answer 7

Loss of the radiocapitellar and ulnotrochlear congruence

Question 8

Management

Answer 8

Analgesia
Closed reduction 
Above elbow backslab 
Short period of immobilisation 5-14 days
Early rehabilitation

Question 9

Dislocation with fracture

Answer 9

ORIF

Question 10

Complications

Answer 10

Early stiffness
Loss of terminal extension

(Early treatment and rehabilitation reduce this risk)

Ulnar paradox

Recurrent instability

Question 11

Terrible triad

Answer 11

Elbow dislocation with:

(1) lateral collateral ligament injury
(2) radial head fracture
(3) coronoid fracture

Very unstable - requires surgery
Caused by FOOSH with rotation - posterolateral dislocation

Question 12

Complications of terrible triad

Answer 12

Instability
Stiffness
Arthrosis