Elbow Dislocation
• 3-6% of all elbow injuries• Peak: 13-14 yrs after closure of physes• High association with the following fractures– Medial epicondyle– Coronoid– Radial head and neck
• Modified hinge joint• Very stable– Joint congruity– Opposing tension of triceps and flexors– Ligaments• Most important: Medial Collateral Ligament
Mechanism of Injury
• Fall on an outstretched hand o elbow– Causes unlocking of the olceranon from the
trochlea + translation of the articular surfaces• 2 types of dislocation– Posterior– Anterior
Malunion Discussion
Malunion
• Described to be a fractured bone that did not heal in an anatomic position
• Bone may have: – Angulated– Rotated out of position– Overlapped with another bone
• Caused by: – Inadequate immobilization– Misalignment– Premature removal of an immobilizer
Non-union
• A fracture that did not heal after a span of several months
• Caused by:– Overdistraction– Excessive motion – Inadequate immobilization
Risk factors for poor fracture healing
• Smoking• Excessive alcohol intake• Malnutrion• Diabetes• NSAID, corticosteroids• Anticonvulsants and Thyroid Hormone
Replacement
Presentation
• History– A fracture that was not brought to a physician– Deformity– Pain, edema– Instability
• PE– Deformity and tenderness