Old elbow dislocation: joint mobility after open reduction
Laupattarakasem, W.; Mahaisavariya, B.; Mahakkanukrauh, C.; Jeeravipoolvarn, P.; Saengnipanthkul, S.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 71(6): 289-293
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 3171447 Document Number: 323955
Forty-one unreduced posterior elbow dislocations which were treated by open reduction after a mean post traumatic duration of 7.6 months and followed-up for an average of 16.9 months were analysed. There is very significant improvement in elbow flexion and arc of motion; although the extension is more limited, the motion is still in good functional range for daily activities. There is no significant difference in post-operative motions observed between patients operated on during one to three months after the initial injury and those later than this period. In addition, post-operative motions seem not to change after six months following the open reduction.