The aim of our study is to report on our experience with elbow dislocations in childhood, the spectrum of the associated injuries and the various treatment modalities used.

In a period of 18 years, 52 children (33 male and 12 female) with elbow dislocations were treated in our clinic. 45 patients were followed-up with an average time of 7.2 years. 13(29%) dislocations were pure while associated injuries were present in 32(71%). Three had compound injuries. 23 of the associated injuries involved medial epicondyle fractures, 6 radial head fractures, 2 coronoid fractures, 2 lateral humerus condyle fractures, 1 ulnar diaphysis fracture and 1 radial peripheral metaphysic fracture. 27 patients treated conservatively while 18 patients treated surgically.

At the final re-examination, according to Roberts PH criteria, the clinical results were excellent in 24(56%) patients, good in 11(27%) patients, fair in 4(13%) and poor in 2 (4%) patients. A transit ulnar nerve paresis was perceived in 1 patient. The x-ray findings demonstrated 6 patients with medial epicondyle pseudartrosis and 6 patients with ectopic ossification.

Most elbow dislocations are associated with elbow fractures, therefore examination for an associated fracture is necessary. Closed reduction is the treatment of choice for elbow dislocations. Surgical treatment is indicated in elbow dislocations that are not reduced closely, in open injuries and in the presence of associated injuries that demand surgical treatment. The clinical and x-ray results are usually excellent. The presence of associated fractures, especially fractures of the radial head tent to lead in poor results.