J Korean Soc Surg Hand.  2016 Sep;21(3):157-161. 10.12790/jkssh.2016.21.3.157.

Recurrent Posterior Dislocation of the Elbow

• Kwak SH
• Kim SH
• Bae JY
• Suh KT

• KMID: 2353821
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2016.21.3.157

Abstract

The elbow joint is one of the most inherently stable articulations of the skeleton. Recurrent posterior dislocation of the elbow is a rare condition. We experienced a case of recurrent posterior dislocation of the elbow due to shallow trochlear notch and chronic radial head dislocation that was treated by transplantation of the biceps tendon to the coronoid process. We report on the case with a literature review.

Keyword

Elbow; Posterior dislocation; Recurrent

MeSH Terms

Dislocations*
Elbow Joint
Elbow*
Head
Skeleton
Tendons

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Preoperative radiographs. (A) Anteroposterior radiograph showing cubitus varus deformity and chronic radial head dislocation at the left elbow. (B) Lateral radiograph in 90° flexion showing nearly normal articulation of humeroulnar joint and shallow trochlea notch at the left elbow.

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  Fig. 2. Preoperative computed tomography scan. Dislocation occurred when the elbow is extended.

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  Fig. 3. Radiographs of immediate postoperative state.

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  Fig. 4. Range of motion thirty months after operation.

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  Fig. 5. Radiographs twenty months after operation showing satisfactory reduction.

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