Irreducible anterior dislocation of the elbow without associated fracture

Abstract

Anterior dislocation of the elbow joint is a rare entity and is usually associated with injuries to surrounding bony and soft tissues. Simple dislocation of the joint is managed conservatively. An eight years old girl had traumatic anterior dislocation of the elbow joint with intact distal neurovascular status. X-rays showed no associated bony injury. Close reductions failed. Per operative findings showed no intra-articular fracture and the radial head was button holed into the anterior joint capsule. Reduction was achieved openly and maintained in a posterior slab for four weeks. Active and assisted mobilization started after removal of the slab. At ten month follow-up there was almost full range of movement of the joint.