Open reduction for late-presenting posterior dislocation of the elbow.

PURPOSE To evaluate results of open reduction for late-presenting (more than 3 weeks) posterior dislocation of the elbow in 10 patients. METHOD Elbow stiffness was the main indication for surgery. The mean age of the patients was 34 (range, 13-65) years; the mean time since injury was 4 (range, 2-6) months. All patients had non-functional elbow movement for any activity of daily living. Three patients had associated fractures around the elbow joint. RESULTS At a mean follow-up of 19 (range, 11-28) months, 8 patients regained a functional range of movement for activities of daily living and maintained a median arc of flexion of 100 degrees and a supination-pronation arc of 140 degrees. According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, the results of 5 patients were excellent, 3 were good, and 2 were poor. Complications included pin site infection (n=2), ulnar neuritis (n=1), and delayed wound healing (n=1). CONCLUSION In patients with late-presenting, unreduced elbow dislocation occurring up to 6 months earlier, open reduction is effective in restoring the joint to a painless, stable and functional state.