Simple and stable elbow dislocations: results after conservative treatment

Simple and stable elbow dislocations: results after conservative treatment

Authors

  • Filippo Calderazzi Orthopaedic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
  • Alice Garzia Orthopaedic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
  • Massimiliano Leigheb Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara (Italy)
  • Margherita Menozzi Orthopaedic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
  • Alessandro Nosenzo Orthopaedic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
  • Francesco Ceccarelli Orthopaedic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
  • Enrico Vaienti Orthopaedic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
  • Francesco Pogliacomi 1Orthopaedic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Italy

Keywords:

elbow, dislocation, stiffness, instability

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: In adults, elbow dislocations are second in frequency after shoulder dislocations. They are often the result of a trauma due to accidental falls on the palm of the hand with the elbow flexed. In most cases this mechanism produces a posterior dislocation of the radius and ulna with respect to the humerus. The therapeutic approach was usually conservative in the past and it was characterized by manual reduction and plaster immobilization. More recently, as consequence of biomechanic and pathophysiology studies, the management of these injuries has gradually changed. The current trend is to immobilize the elbow only for few days and to evaluate its stability several times. In case of instability surgery may be indicated.
The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of simple stable elbow dislocations treated conservatively
between january 2012 and december 2018. Methods: Twenty-six patients were included. All subjects underwent
to a follow-up visit, in which clinical functional tests were performed in order to evaluate any stiffness
in flexion-extension, prono-supination and instability in varus-valgus. In addition, patients were asked to
complete three questionnaires (DASH, MEPS, SF-36) to evaluate how much the pathology interfered with
ADL’s. Results: Outcomes showed that prolonged immobilization increased stiffness in flexion and extension
with the need of longer reabilithation. The recovery of prono-supination was instead always optimal. ADL’s
migth be influenced by the traumatic event and its management. Conclusions: Results of conservative treatment of simple elbow dislocation are generally satisfactory. A precise flow-chart of the patient management after trauma is essential in order to detect unstable lesions and

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Published

30-05-2020

How to Cite

1.
Calderazzi F, Garzia A, Leigheb M, Menozzi M, Nosenzo A, Ceccarelli F, et al. Simple and stable elbow dislocations: results after conservative treatment. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2020 May 30 [cited 2024 Oct. 10];91(4-S):224-31. Available from: https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/9637