Abstract
This retrospective study of 196 cases of children’s elbow dislocation had for objectives to check literature’s epidemiological data and to compare the various therapeutic protocols used over a 32 years period.
The average age was 11 years, boys (117) were more frequently affected than girls (79). Both sides were almost equally affected. Most dislocations were posterior or postero-lateral (176). An associated fracture has been found in 104 cases, in 64 cases it was a medial epicondyle’s fracture. Nervous or vascular complications have been found in 8 cases and have immediately been reversed following reduction of the dislocation.
153 patients have been reviewed, 134 patients reported good results, 12 results were average and 7 results were poor. Radiological calcifications have been found in 37 cases (24%). We have shown significant statistical link between the occurrence of elbow stiffness and 2 factors: the carrying out of late kinesitherapy and the appearance of posttraumatic calcifications. We haven’t found any factor favoring the appearance of calcification.
This large series has confirmed the epidemiological data found in literature and allowed us to initiate a simple therapeutic stance combining an early reduction under general anesthesia, the carrying out of an osteosynthesis each time it is necessary and a plastered immobilization of 4 weeks followed by a self rehabilitation.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
