Isolated elbow dislocation in pediatric patients: Non-operative treatment and complications associated with an infrequent pathology. Series of 4 cases

Abstract

Even though the elbow is the most often dislocated joint in children, this injury accounts for 3-6 % of elbow pathology. Dislocations without associated fractures are extremely rare. They result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. The patient is always referred with a painful joint, movement impairment and even clinical deformity. Acute treatment aims to achieve quick reduction and adequate joint stability, avoiding neurovascular injuries. We sought to analyze the functional outcomes and the complications after non-operative treatment. Our 4 patients had excellent functional results at the latest follow-up, and one of them suffered from a median nerve palsy without further consequences. In our experience, these injuries presented excellent outcomes and we would like to highlight the importance of a quick and precise neurovascular examination with the possibility of non-surgical management of nerve injuries. A short period of immobilization with early rehabilitation should be indicated to avoid joint stiffness.