Abstract

Dislocation of the elbow joint is a very common injury of the upper extremity. Approximately 50% of patients fully recover after such injury. The aim of this study was evaluation of long-term results of simple posterolateral elbow dislocations. From 1998 to 2005, 117 patients were treated in the emergency room of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology of Medical University of Gdansk. 23 patients with 24 dislocations were followed-up. Closed reduction was performed in all cases. The mean follow-up period was 39.2 weeks after the injury. The mean age was 39 years. The evaluation of the results was based on physical examination, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). A fall during daily activities was the main cause of dislocations (66.67%). 9 patients (37.50%) had neurological complications. Medial instability was found in 4 patients (16.67%). The mean range of motion was 127.54°, the mean MEPS was 84.38 points, DASH – 16.14. We found limitations at work in half of the patients and in 7 cases (29.17%) there was total dysfunction of some activities. According to our study there is no statistical significant correlation between the immobilization period and the long-term results and between the immobilization period and the range of motion.

Adres: Sebastian Bejma
AM w Gdańsku
e-mail: sbejma@o2.pl