Current Concepts: Simple and Complex Elbow Dislocations – Acute and Definitive Treatment

Dislocations of the elbow account for 20% of all dislocations. Thus, after the shoulder, the elbow joint is the joint most frequently afflicted by dislocations. A distinction is made between simple elbowdislocations without associated fractures and fracture-dislocations of the elbow, which are frequently referred to as complex elbow dislocations. Treatment principles are reduction of the joint, stabilization of associated fractures, and early motion. Ligament repairs or reconstruction and hinged external fixators are necessary in some cases to restore stability for early motion. In general, simple dislocations have a better prognosis than complex dislocations.