ELBOW DISLOCATION IN CHILDREN. LONG TERM FOLLOW UP.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present long-term results of elbow dislocation in children. Eleven patients (10 male) with elbow dislocation (mean age 10.4 years old) were re-evaluated with mean follow up 85 months (24 – 186). Active range of motion and instability were clinically evaluated. Osteoarthritic changes, position and shape of medial epicondyle were radiographically recorded. Functional evaluation was made with Hospital for Special Surgery Elbow Assessment protocol (up to 100).

All cases were treated with closed reduction under general anaesthesia. Three patients were treated surgically with KW for fractures of medial epicondyle. Lack of extension (5° – 15°) was detected in 3 patients two of which had fractures (1 osteochondral and 1 of medial epicondyle). 4 patients were presented with flexion deficit (5° – 10°) while 1 patient had reduction both for supination and pronation (fx of medial epicondyle). Decreased pronation was recorded in two more patients (5° — 10°). Radiologically we found a patient with medial and lateral epicondyle alteration, a patient with osteochondral fracture and another one with ossification of LCL. Functionally the overall result was excellent (subjectively) while mean HSS Elbow Assessment score was 99.1 (96–100).