Management of Adult Elbow Fracture Dislocations

Orthop Clin North Am. 2016 Jan;47(1):97-113. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2015.08.001.

Abstract

Elbow fracture dislocations are complicated injuries that are difficult to manage and fraught with complications. A complete series of radiographs is typically complemented with CT scan to evaluate the elbow and assist preoperative planning. Typically, operative intervention is necessary and a systematic approach to the elbow injuries should be chosen. This article addresses the coronoid and proceeds to the radial head, lateral soft tissues, and finally the medial ligaments if elbow instability persists. With a focused, systematic surgical approach, improved outcomes have been demonstrated and patients may recover full function and range of motion in the affected elbow.

Keywords: Adult elbow; Complications; Elbow dislocation; Elbow fracture; Surgical management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / pathology
  • Fractures, Bone / complications
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / complications
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery*
  • Ligaments, Articular / injuries
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / etiology
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / surgery
  • Patient Positioning
  • Radius Fractures / surgery
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery