Published online Sep 28, 2023. doi: 10.5412/wjsp.v13.i2.7
Peer-review started: April 25, 2023
First decision: July 17, 2023
Revised: July 19, 2023
Accepted: August 8, 2023
Article in press: August 8, 2023
Published online: September 28, 2023
Processing time: 154 Days and 20.3 Hours
Simple lateral elbow dislocation (SLED) is a rare type of elbow dislocation; however, its treatment may be complicated by accompanying soft tissue or neurovascular damage. Herein, we report a rare case of SLED managed secon-darily with open reduction and soft tissue repair following failure of closed reduction.
A 67-year-old woman suffered SLED after falling on her outstretched left hand with her elbow extended. She developed pain, swelling, and movement restriction in the elbow; there were no neurovascular symptoms, except for numbness in the 4th and 5th digits. Radiologic investigation confirmed the SLED, and a closed reduction under anesthesia was performed. The follow-up radiographs at 1-wk revealed failure of reduction; accordingly, open reduction with lateral collateral ligament and common extensor origin repair were carried out. The patient regained full elbow range of motion by six weeks.
Adequate concentric reduction for SLED, conservatively or surgically, reduces complications and provides a more functional joint.
Core Tip: Despite their rarity, the results of simple lateral elbow dislocations are gratifying if they are handled well from start to finish. Treatment may be terminated with closed methods or surgery may be required. Regardless of the method of treatment, the results are good with a close follow-up.