Traitement des luxations récentes du coude : à propos de 30 cas

Abstract

Elbow dislocations are encountered in contact sports and other extreme sports. This retrospective study included 30 cases of elbow dislocations, treated between 2007 and 2012. The average age of our patients was 36 years, all male and victims of violent trauma in local equestrian competitions. The dislocation was posterolateral in 23 cases and direct posterior in the other seven. This involvement was associated to a fracture of the radial head in six cases and a medial epicondyle tear in a patient. All subjects had a reduction under sedation or general anesthesia. Fractures of the radial head were treated by screwing in four cases and resection in two cases. We also made screwing for the epicondyle fracture. The treatment was completed by analgesic immobilization for about 10 days followed by active mobilization in 22 patients, in whom the elbow was considered perfectly stable. In eight patients, mobilization in the area of stability, protected by an articulated orthosis, was established for a minimum of 45 days. After a mean follow-up of 22 months, a range of motion for flexion-extension greater than 100° was achieved in 80% of patients and only two cases have kept a severe stiffness. The overall results, as assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, were good to very good in 25 patients, fair in three patients and poor in only two cases. The sport recovery was gradual and the return to competition was not allowed before the sixth month.