Elbow Dislocation Research Articles

Open Reduction with Collateral Ligaments Reconstruction in Neglected Elbow Dislocation – A Case Report

Neglected elbow dislocations pose a challenge to orthopedic surgeons, leading to contracture and functional limitations. This case involves a 51-year-old female patient experiencing pain and stiffness in her left elbow for the past 5 months due to neglected dislocation. Previous traditional treatment showed no improvement. Disuse atrophy was suspected, prompting open reduction, ligament reconstruction, and a 3-week temporary pinning. The intervention aimed to address the late-presenting unreduced elbow, utilizing autograft for ligament reconstruction. The subsequent supervised physiotherapy played a crucial role in restoring functional, stable, and painless elbow movement. This case underscores the importance of timely intervention in neglected elbow dislocations to prevent disability and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Keywords: Neglected elbow dislocation, ligament reconstruction, autograft.

Bilateral Elbow Dislocation Without Fracture After Minor Trauma in a Healthy Adult Man

The elbow is the second most frequently dislocated major joint in adults. Elbow dislocation is a common traumatic injury, occurring in approximately 20% of all joint dislocations. Falling onto an outstretched hand is the most prevalent cause of elbow dislocation. Simultaneous bilateral elbow dislocation is a rare presentation, and reports of similar injuries are very limited. A 21-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department after landing on both hands with flexed elbows from a height of one meter while doing home decoration work. The posterolateral dislocations was detected in both elbows without a fracture on the plain radiographs. The patient's elbows were reduced under procedural sedation analgesia in the emergency department. The patient's splints were removed in the orthopedics outpatient clinic after a 2-week follow-up, and he had no complications. It should be noted that serious bilateral dislocations can occur even in minor traumas like this. Procedural sedation not only prevents the delay of the procedure and the occurrence of complications, especially during the treatment of such multiple dislocations, but also increases patient comfort.

Elbow dislocation approach for complex elbow fractures: a cadaveric study

BackgroundApproach need to be considered when surgeons dealt with complex elbow injuries and the choice of the approach is a challenge for surgeons due to the complex anatomy. On the basis of releasing the lateral collateral ligament, we modified the dislocation technique to pursue the superior exposure including not only the distal humeral surface but also the anterior facet of the coronoid process.MethodsA total of 4 cadaver specimens and 8 elbows were included in the study. Each cadaver provided one elbow for either the elbow dislocation approach or the posterior olecranon approach. The exposed distal articular surface of humerus, humeral capitulum, humeral trochlea, anterior trochlea of distal humerus, posterior trochlea of distal humerus and the ulnar coronoid process surface were marked by image J software and calculated for a comparison for each surgical approach.ResultsThe total distal humeral surface was exposed as a median of 98.2 (97.6, 99.6)% and 62.0 (58.3, 64.5)% for the elbow dislocation approach and the olecranon osteotomy approach (P < 0.001), the capitulum 100% and 32.4 (28.0, 39.2)% (P < 0.001), the trochlea 93.2(90.1, 96.9)% and 72.5 (65.2, 78.8)% (P < 0.001), the anterior trochlear articular surface 96.0(93.0, 97.4)% and 50.3 (43.6, 59.1)% (P < 0.001), the posterior trochlear articular surface 95.4 (93, 100)% and 100% (P = 0.76) and the articular surface of the coronoid process of ulna 71.3 (66.0, 74.2)% and 0% (P < 0.001).ConclusionFor complex elbow fractures, the technique of elbow dislocation provides complete exposure of the distal humerus surface and a significant portion of the coronoid process surface, facilitating direct visualization for reduction and fixation.Level of evidence Anatomy Study; Cadaver Dissection.

The diagnosis and treatment of Criss-Cross injury of the forearm: A retrospective analysis

BackgroundDue to the paucity of ‘Criss-Cross’ injury, the pathological changes and injury patterns have not been clearly described; as well as the treatment and prognosis. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the treatment and clinical outcomes of ‘Criss-Cross’ injury of the forearm. MethodsAll patients diagnosed with Criss-Cross injury meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria in our Level 3 hospital (most advanced level) from 2010 to 2022, were enrolled in the study. A total of 12 patients were enrolled in our retrospective analysis. Closed reduction was successful in 3 patients, open reduction performed in the remaining patients. 6 patients associated with a fracture, while 2 cases had a concomitant convergent elbow dislocation. The follow-up time in conservative patients was 23.0 months on average (3–51 months), while 38.4 months in surgery group on average (3–108 months). The forearm function was evaluated with the Anderson's forearm function score. The range of motion (ROM) of the elbow and wrist and forearm rotation including any complications was also documented during the follow-up. ResultsOn final follow-up, ROM of the elbow, wrist, and forearm rotation significantly improved after conservative treatment (50.0 ± 24.5° to 128.3 ± 2.9°, 55.0 ± 7.1° to 166.7 ± 5.8°, 83.3 ± 20.8° to 165.0 ± 15.0°, respectively, p < 0.001) and surgical treatment (41.7 ± 22.4° to 102.8 ± 21.1°, 42.2 ± 16.4° to 125.6 ± 25.1°, 34.4 ± 26.5° to 138.3 ± 22.6°, respectively, p < 0.001). However, compared with the contralateral side, there were still significant difference regarding the ROM of the elbow (102.8 ± 21.1° to 143.9 ± 4.9°), wrist (125.6 ± 25.1° to 167.8 ± 5.1°), and forearm rotation (138.3 ± 22.6° to 163.3 ± 3.5°) after surgical treatment (P < 0.01). Anderson's Forearm Function Score was excellent in all conservative cases and 2 of 9 patients treated with operation. 2 patients complained about occasional elbow locking, wrist pain and reduced power after conservative treatment. 2 patients reported ulnar neuritis after the operation, one of which was treated with anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. ConclusionThe Criss-Cross injury could be associated with different fractures and/or simultaneous convergent elbow dislocation. The basic principle of treatment is to reduce both PRUJ and DRUJ by closed reduction or surgery, with early rehabilitation. Most of the patients regained good forearm function after receiving either conservative or surgical treatment.

Artificial intelligence-based detection of paediatric appendicular skeletal fractures: performance and limitations for common fracture types and locations

BackgroundResearch into artificial intelligence (AI)-based fracture detection in children is scarce and has disregarded the detection of indirect fracture signs and dislocations.ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of an existing AI-tool for the detection of fractures, indirect fracture signs, and dislocations.Materials and methodsAn AI software, BoneView (Gleamer, Paris, France), was assessed for diagnostic accuracy of fracture detection using paediatric radiology consensus diagnoses as reference. Radiographs from a single emergency department were enrolled retrospectively going back from December 2021, limited to 1,000 radiographs per body part. Enrolment criteria were as follows: suspected fractures of the forearm, lower leg, or elbow; age 0–18 years; and radiographs in at least two projections.ResultsLower leg radiographs showed 607 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were high (87.5%, 87.5%, 98.3%, 98.3%, respectively). Detection rate was low for toddler’s fractures, trampoline fractures, and proximal tibial Salter-Harris-II fractures. Forearm radiographs showed 1,137 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were high (92.9%, 98.1%, 98.4%, 91.7%, respectively). Radial and ulnar bowing fractures were not reliably detected (one out of 11 radial bowing fractures and zero out of seven ulnar bowing fractures were correctly detected). Detection rate was low for styloid process avulsions, proximal radial buckle, and complete olecranon fractures. Elbow radiographs showed 517 fractures. Sensitivity and NPV were moderate (80.5%, 84.7%, respectively). Specificity and PPV were high (94.9%, 93.3%, respectively). For joint effusion, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were moderate (85.1%, 85.7%, 89.5%, 80%, respectively). For elbow dislocations, sensitivity and PPV were low (65.8%, 50%, respectively). Specificity and NPV were high (97.7%, 98.8%, respectively).ConclusionsThe diagnostic performance of BoneView is promising for forearm and lower leg fractures. However, improvement is mandatory before clinicians can rely solely on AI-based paediatric fracture detection using this software.Graphical

The Boyd approach: a valuable alternative to treating simple to complex elbow fractures and dislocations.

The Boyd approach is a single-incision posterior approach to the proximal radius and ulna based on a lateral anconeus muscle reflection and release of the lateral collateral ligamentous complex. This approach remains a lesser-used technique following early reports of proximal radioulnar synostosis and postoperative elbow instability. Although limited by small case series, recent literature does not support these early reported complications. This study presents a single surgeon's outcomes using the Boyd approach for the treatment of simple to complex elbow injuries. Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of all patients with simple to complex elbow injuries treated consecutively using a Boyd approach by a shoulder and elbow surgeon was conducted from 2016 to 2020. All patients with at least 1 postoperative clinic visit were included. Data collected included patient demographics, injury description, postoperative complications, elbow range of motion, and radiographic findings including heterotopic ossification and proximal radioulnar synostosis. Categorical and continuous variables were reported using descriptive statistics. A total of 44 patients were included with an average age of 49 years (range 13-82 years). The most commonly treated injuries were Monteggia fracture-dislocations (32%) and terrible triad injuries (18%). Average follow-up was 8 months (range 1-24 months). Final average elbow active arc of motion was from 20° (range 0°-70°) of extension to 124° (range 75°-150°) of flexion. Final supination and pronation were 53° (range 0°-80°) and 66° (range 0°-90°), respectively. There were no cases of proximal radioulnar synostosis. Heterotopic ossification contributing to less than functional elbow range of motion occurred in 2 (5%) patients who elected conservative management. There was 1 (2%) case of early postoperative posterolateral instability due to repair failure of injured ligaments that required revision using a ligament augmentation procedure. Five (11%) patients experienced postoperative neuropathy, including 4 (9%) with ulnar neuropathy. Of these, 1 underwent ulnar nerve transposition, 2 were improving, and 1 had persistent symptoms at final follow-up. This is the largest case series available demonstrating the safe utilization of the Boyd approach for the treatment of simple to complex elbow injuries. Postoperative complications including synostosis and elbow instability may not be as common as previously understood.

Innovative method of Intervention: Modified-Internal Joint Stabilizer-Elbow for Acute and Chronic Elbow Dislocation

Innovative method of Intervention: Modified-Internal Joint Stabilizer-Elbow for Acute and Chronic Elbow Dislocation

"Unhappy triad" of the trauma elbow in children: Diagnosis, classification, and mid-term outcomes.

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, physiopathology, and outcomes of elbow "unhappy triad" trauma in children, combining a posterior dislocation, a proximal radius fracture, and a third lesion (i.e. bony or capsuloligamentous injury). A retrospective bicentric study was conducted between 1999 and 2020. All skeletally immature children who presented to the emergency department and underwent surgery for a proximal radius injury were selected. Among this selection, only patients with two associated ipsilateral elbow injuries (i.e. posterior elbow dislocation and a bony and/or capsuloligamentous injury) were included. Active elbow ranges of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Quick-Disabilities Of The Arm, Shoulder And Hand scores and standard radiographs were recorded at last follow-up. Twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age at surgery = 11.4 years) among 737 selected. The "unhappy triad" diagnosis was made preoperatively in nine cases (bone lesion only), intraoperatively in nine cases, and postoperatively in one case. The third lesions were surgically treated when the lesion was a bony fracture or if the elbow remains unstable between 60° and 90° of flexion (i.e. capsuloligamentous injury). Twenty patients were reviewed (mean follow-up = 5.8 years). The complications and re-operations rates were of 10%. The "unhappy" triad of the child's elbow is a rare injury, where the preoperative diagnosis is frequently missed and lead to 10% of complications and re-operations. level III.

Indian patients with CHST3-related chondrodysplasia with congenital joint dislocations.

CHST3-related chondrodysplasia with congenital joint dislocations (CDCJD, #MIM 143095), is a rare genetic skeletal disorder caused by biallelic loss of function variants in CHST3. CHST3 is critical for the sulfation of chondroitin sulfate. This study delineates the clinical presentation of nine individuals featuring the key symptoms of CDCJD; congenital joint (knee and elbow) dislocations, short trunk short stature progressive vertebral anomalies, and metacarpal shortening. Additional manifestations include irregular distal femoral epiphysis, supernumerary carpal ossification centers, bifid humerus, club foot, and cardiac abnormalities. Sanger sequencing was carried out to investigate molecular etiology in eight patients and exome sequencing in one. Genetic testing revealed five homozygous variants in CHST3 (four were novel and one was previously reported). All these variants are located on sulfotransferase domain of CHST3 protein and were classified as pathogenic/ likely pathogenic. We thus report on nine individuals with CHST3-related chondrodysplasia with congenital joint dislocations from India and suggest monitoring the health of cardiac valves in this condition.

Early Mobilization of Simple Elbow Dislocations: Commentary on an article by Thomas Mackinnon, MRCS, et al.: "Long-Term Follow-up (14 to 25 Years) Following Closed Reduction and Early Movement for Simple Dislocation of the Elbow".

Early Mobilization of Simple Elbow Dislocations: Commentary on an article by Thomas Mackinnon, MRCS, et al.: "Long-Term Follow-up (14 to 25 Years) Following Closed Reduction and Early Movement for Simple Dislocation of the Elbow".

Comparison of in-situ release and submuscular anterior transposition of ulnar nerve for refractory cubital tunnel syndrome, previously treated with subfascial anterior transfer–A retrospective study of 24 cases

BackgroundAlthough cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common type of compressive neuropathy in the upper extremities, the indication and optimal surgical method for recurrent or refractory cubital tunnel syndrome remains controversial. This study evaluates the functional outcomes of revision surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome. Material & methodsThis study was a retrospective observational multicenter single-institution study including 660 patients who underwent surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome from 2010 to 2019. Among the 660 patients, 42(6.4%) received revision surgery due to remaining or recurrent symptoms confirmed with electromyography(EMG). After excluding those with concurrent elbow fracture, dislocation, osteoarthritis and wound infection, a total of 24 patients were included in the study. The patients were evaluated of disease severity, revision surgical method, time interval to recurrence, underlying diseases and postoperative functional outcomes. ResultsAll patients received ulnar nerve subfascial anterior transposition for the initial cubital tunnel syndrome surgery. Among the 24 patients (3.7%) who received revision surgery, nine received in situ neurolysis, 12 received submuscular transposition, and three received subcutaneous transfer. 21 patients (88%) reported improved mean VAS score of 4.3, while three patients complained of remaining symptoms that did not improve even after revision surgery. The patients with remaining symptoms all had underlying diabetes mellitus and were treated with subcutaneous transfer. The difference of surgical outcomes between the in situ neurolysis group and the nerve transfer groups were non-significant (p = 0.23). The most common cause of recurrent or persistent symptoms was adhesion and fibrosis at sling area. The mean follow up period before revision surgery was 26.3 months and postoperative follow up period after revision surgery was 8.5 months. ConclusionThe outcomes of this study imply that in-situ neurolysis may be as effective as anterior submuscular transfer of ulnar nerve for refractory cubital tunnel syndrome after anterior subfascial transfer.

Functional Outcomes of Neglected Elbow Dislocation Treated with Double Approach Surgery.

Neglected elbow dislocation is common in developing countries. The chronic nature of the disease results in a level of complexity that makes treatments and outcomes contradictory. Several treatment methods have been described for neglected elbow dislocations. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of neglected elbow dislocations treated using the double approach of reduction and K-wire fixation. This series included patients with neglected elbow dislocations who were treated with open reduction using double approaches (medial and lateral incisions) between November 2020 and March 2021. Patients were evaluated for a minimum of 6 months to ascertain functional recovery in accordance with the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Nine patients with neglected elbow dislocations were included in the study, with an average delay of 3.44 months. Four patients had an excellent MEPI and five had a good score at the final follow-up, with a mean MEPI score of 86.67. The average DASH score was 36 (31-59). Five patients (55.56%) experienced no pain, but four patients (44.44%) had mild pain, with a range of pain points of 30-45. The motion arc improvement was 60°-100°, with a mean of 74.44°. Almost all of the patients (eight patients, 88.89%) had elbow stability, but one patient had ulnar nerve paresthesia postoperatively. Heterotopic ossificans was associated in 1 patient, and triceps lengthening was needed in 1 patient; both came 5 months later. Open reduction surgery with a double approach offers a good chance of a good result with few side effects and should be considered for all patients who have this condition.

Acute Dislocation of the Elbow: An All-Arthroscopic Repair of the Lateral Ligament Complex

The elbow is one of the most commonly dislocated joints. While conservative management is frequently performed for simple elbow dislocations, the importance of primary surgical treatment is still undetermined. However, promising results have been reached after surgical repair. We propose an arthroscopic surgical repair of the lateral ligament complex (LCL), performed with a horizontal suture and 2 Fibertak Knotless implants (Arthrex) placed on the LCL origin, one anterior and the other posterior. Operative treatment should be performed in patients with moderate and gross elbow laxity to avoid post-traumatic sequelae and decrease revision rates. Arthroscopic techniques create fewer complications. This procedure allows one to address intra-articular elbow joint pathology with less chance of wound complications and the ability to use bone anchors if desired.

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for treatment of unstable lateral condyle fractures of the humerus in children.

In the past, obviously displaced lateral condyle fractures of the humerus in children were treated satisfactorily with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, in recent years, more studies have mentioned closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of these fractures. In this retrospective investigation, the radiographic and clinical results of patients with these fractures that were initially managed with CRPP were newly classified. We classified these fractures into three groups according to the degree and pattern of fracture displacement as identified on four radiographic images. In Type I, the fracture is unstable and displacement is ≥2 mm; In Type II degree I, the fracture is unstable and displacement is >2 mm, with single rotation of fragment; In Type II degree II, the fracture is unstable and displacement is >2 mm, with single rotation of fragment, with rotation of fragment and antero-proximal displacement; In Type III, the fracture is unstable and displacement is >2 mm, with posterior dislocation of elbow joint. We also designed an algorithm for closed reduction of these fractures according to this new classification. We retrospectively analyzed the radiographic and clinical results of 37 unstable fractures (in 22 boys and 15 girls) that were treated with closed reduction. Twenty-one of 25 (84.0%) type I fractures, which could have been reduced to within 2 mm of residual displacement, were treated with closed reduction and pinning with 2 or 3 Kirschner wires (K wires). Three of 5 (60.0%) type II degree I, 3 of 4 (75.0%) type II degree II, and 3 of 3 (100%) type III fractures were treated with CRPP. In 4 of 25 (16.0%) type I, 2 of 5 (40.0%) type II degree I and 1 of 4 (25.0%) type II degree II fractures, closed reduction failed, so ORIF was implemented. There were no complications, such as nonunion, osteonecrosis of the capitellum, superficial or deep infection, malunion, cubitus varus or valgus, or early physeal arrest. Although the management of type III fractures may not be more difficult than type II fractures with a rotated fracture fragment, as elbow dislocations are usually easy reducible. This retrospective study showed that type III fractures should not be ignored as a lateral condyle fracture that can be cured with CRPP and that lateral humeral condyle fractures with obvious displacement and rotation can be initially treated with CRPP to achieve satisfactory recovery of the elbow. Kirschner wire (K wire) fixation is recommended to avoid reoperation or anesthesia for hardware removal.

An Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) in Non-operative Posterolateral Elbow Dislocations.

The purpose of our study is to analyze the outcomes of traumatic posterolateral elbow dislocations using patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS). We hypothesized that physical function (PF) and upper extremity (UE) scores inPROMIS will significantly improve over six months of follow-up and correlate with a positive change in the patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS). This is a seven-year retrospective study of 165 consecutive adult patients with traumatic posterolateral elbow dislocations. Demographic information, PROMIS PF, PROMIS UE, PROMIS pain interference (PI), PROMIS depression, and PASS were recorded over six months of follow-up. At the time of injury, mean PROMIS scores were PF 41.24 (SD 11.16), UE 34.27 (SD 11.87), PI 60.44 (SD 8.07), and depression 49.82 (SD 10.42). At six months, the mean PROMIS scores were PF 39.71 (SD 9.71), UE 33.95 (SD 9.09), PI 57.35 (SD 8.59), and depression 51.43 (SD 10.62). The overall six-month changes in PROMIS scores were PF -1.53, UE -0.32, PI -3.09, and depression +1.61. At the 6-month follow-up, 41.7% responded positively on the PASS, which correlated only with PROMIS PI. Among patients who improved from negative to positive response on PASS, the PROMIS PF, UE, and depression scores did not significantly improve. Only PROMIS PI correlated with PASS at the six-month follow-up; PROMIS PI significantly improved among simple posterolateral elbow dislocation patients at both short-term and long-term follow-up points. PROMIS PF, UE, and depression did not significantly differ between time of injury and short-term and long-term follow-up points.

Surgical Treatment of Neglected Elbow Dislocation by Posterior Approach

Background: Neglected elbow dislocation often results in contracture and functional impairments. Surgical treatment is challenging because of the accompanying triceps retraction. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to surgical outcomes of treating the neglected dislocations of elbow joint using the posterior approach. Methodology: This was a non-randomized clinical trial over a three years period from January 2017 to December 2019. All the patients who were presented with a neglected elbow dislocation which was older than 21 days were selected as study population. The average follow-up was 18 months with the range 12 to 24 months after surgical procedure. Results: A total number of 10 patients were treated with an average age of 24.6±10.52 years (range 14 to 48 years). The dislocations were 6.6±3.69 months old on average (range 2 to 12months). Average elbow flexion was 46.5±26.04(15º-90º) and the extension deficit was 14.5±19.58(0º-50º) before the surgery. A paratricepital approach was used in all patients. In 7 patients, the dislocation was reduced without triceps lengthening. In 3 patients, a V-Y plasty of the triceps muscle was required. The improvements in the overall range of motion were statistically significant. Average elbow flexion was118±11.35 (100º-130º) and extension deficit was 20.5±15.17. Complications included one case of ulnar nerve paresis, which subsided within two months, and one case of superficial infection. Conclusion: In conclusion the functional improvement in neglected elbow dislocations is outstanding. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, July 2022;9(2):63-68

The Unfortunate Triad of the Elbow: About 5 Cases and Review of the Literature

The unfortunate elbow triad is a severe trauma involving posterior elbow dislocation, fracture of the radial head and coronoid process. Its management is not codified in the literature. We report a retrospective series of 5 patients treated at the Traumato-Orthopedics department of the CHU Ibn Sina in Rabat, over a period of 7 months from May 2021 to December 2021, the objective being to carry out a diagnostic and therapeutic analysis. Both patients had a stable but nevertheless very painful elbow. The unfortunate elbow triad leads to bone and ligament damage threatening short- and long-term elbow stability, with a high rate of complications and random outcomes. Only the restoration of the integrity of the elbow by repairing all the structures, using a standardized surgical protocol allows good functional results.

Surgical Management of an Unusual Elbow dislocation with radial shaft fracture and annular ligament disruption: A Case Report

Surgical Management of an Unusual Elbow dislocation with radial shaft fracture and annular ligament disruption: A Case Report

Imaging Review of Adult Elbow Fractures and Dislocations in the Emergency Department.

Imaging Review of Adult Elbow Fractures and Dislocations in the Emergency Department.

High return to sport rate and good patient-reported outcomes in recreational athletes following simple elbow dislocations

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate outcomes and return to sport metrics in recreational athletes who suffered simple elbow dislocations and were treated operatively or nonoperatively.MethodsThe study included patients between the ages of 16 and 65 who were recreational athletes and had experienced a simple elbow dislocation, with at least 2 years having passed since the injury. Patient-reported outcomes including Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Subjective Elbow Value (SEV), Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were collected. Return to sport metrics were assessed.ResultsA total of 44 patients (21 females, mean age 43.8 years [95% CI, 39.1–48.5]) who were recreational athletes before their injury completed follow-up at mean 7.6 years (95% CI, 6.7–8.5). There were 29 patients (65.9%) who were treated operatively. Mean MEPS was 93.3 (95% CI, 90.2–96.4), mean SEV was 94.9 (95% CI, 91.9–97.9) and mean OES was 43.3 (95% CI, 41.3–45.4). A total of 36 (81.8%) patients returned to their pre-injury sport. Mean time to return to sport was 21.7 (95% CI, 16.8–26.5) weeks. There was a significant difference in OES (P = .019) and SEV (P = .030) that favored the nonoperative group; however, no significant differences for MEPS, VAS, satisfaction, arc of motion and return to sport were present between groups. A total of five (11.4%) complications were observed and one (2.3%) required revision.ConclusionsGood outcomes and a high return to sport rate can be expected in recreational athletes following operative and nonoperative treatment of simple elbow dislocations. However, as many as one-in-five patients may not return to pre-injury sport.