Elbow Dislocations in the Emergency Department: A Review of Reduction Techniques

Anterior elbow dislocation without fracture in an adult: a rare injury pattern

“…Reduction is achieved by pushing the forearm backwards and lower end of humerus forwards while maintaining the traction. This technique is applicable in distraction type of injuries 15. But when torsional forces are also involved, we may have to consider giving valgus/varus manoeuvre along with longitudinal traction to achieve reduction as done in our patient.…”

“…But when torsional forces are also involved, we may have to consider giving valgus/varus manoeuvre along with longitudinal traction to achieve reduction as done in our patient. It is extremely important that on-table stability check should be done under anaesthesia and confirmed with fluoroscopy 4 15. A widening of more than 1 mm at the ulno-humeral joint (between distal humeral joint line and the proximal ulno-radial joint line) during valgus stress test is considered as subtle valgus instability 1.…”

Unusual case of complex fracture dislocation of the elbow

“…Elbow joint stability relies on primary stabilizers (ulnohumeral articulation, lateral collateral ligament complex and medial collateral ligament complex) and secondary stabilizers (radiohumeral articulation, capsule and muscles that cross the joint). All these structures work together providing stability to the joint [3,4,7].…”

“…It represents up to 3-6% of elbow injuries in children and is the most commonly dislocated joint among this group [2]. Up to 10-20% of injuries affecting the elbow are dislocations: They are classified as simple or complex, based on the presence of a fracture [3].…”

“…Complex dislocations are related to a high number of complications, including recurrent instability, arthrosis, stiffness, infection, nerve and vascular injury, compartment syndrome and heterotopic ossification [3].…”