Divergent Dislocation of the Elbow in an Adult with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2021 Aug 12;11(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00159.

Abstract

Case: A 32-year-old man with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) fell while snowboarding and injured his right elbow. Radiography revealed a posterior dislocation of the elbow and a proximal radioulnar joint dislocation. A diagnosis of transverse divergent dislocation of the elbow was established. Open reduction and repair of the annular ligament, anterior oblique ligament, and capsule was performed with good clinical results.

Conclusion: This is the first report of divergent dislocation of the elbow in an adult with EDS. Dislocation occurred without a fracture that required open reduction and internal fixation. The presence of soft-tissue fragility, hyperextension, and joint laxity peculiar to EDS are likely contributing factors to this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome* / complications
  • Elbow
  • Elbow Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations* / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations* / etiology
  • Joint Dislocations* / surgery
  • Joint Instability* / surgery
  • Male