Bilateral Collateral Ligament Reconstruction for Chronic Elbow Dislocation

Kobe J Med Sci. 2020 Sep 10;66(2):E71-E74.

Abstract

We report the case of a 37-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder who was hospitalized for chronic elbow dislocation. He had suffered a posterior elbow dislocation 5 months ago. His elbow dislocation was easily reduced, but the reduction position could not be maintained. Severe varus and valgus instabilities were observed in his right elbow. He was diagnosed with chronic elbow dislocation due to bilateral collateral ligament dysfunction and was surgically treated. Bilateral ligament reconstruction using the bilateral palmaris longus (PL) tendon combined with a temporary ulnohumeral joint fixation was performed. Cast immobilization was applied for 6 weeks. One year after surgery, his range of motion was -15° in extension, 140° in flexion, 80° in pronation, and 90° in supination. He did not face any problems in daily activities.

Keywords: Chronic elbow dislocation; bilateral collateral ligament reconstruction; lateral collateral ligament; medial collateral ligament.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthroplasty / methods*
  • Collateral Ligament, Ulnar / surgery*
  • Elbow Injuries
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery*
  • Male
  • Radiography