Sports Med Blog

Elbow Dislocation and ROM Years Later

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Published on Monday, 08 August 2011 01:48

Written by Anne Moss Rogers

A simple elbow dislocation isn't always so simple meaning a dislocated joint that can be set back into its proper place. Even if there is no fracture and surgery isn't needed to relocate the joint and the joint is stable, how's that elbow looking and working years later?

To answer this question, orthopedic surgeons from a trauma unit take a look back at their records and find 110 adults with a simple elbow dislocation. Most patients were "satisfied" with the results of treatment but they didn't have normal elbow motion or function. Pain and stiffness were the most common symptoms reported. Grip strength was reduced compared to normal. About 20 per cent of the group had to give up participation in sports that they enjoyed before the injury occurred.

See the Elbow Dislocation article at Orthopod