Eenvoudige elleboogluxaties in Nederland: Wat doen Nederlandse chirurgen?

Abstract Background: Randomised controlled trials and observational comparative studies show little proof for the optimal form of treatment for simple elbow dislocations. However, there is some evidence that functional treatment in simple elbow dislocations may lead to better functional outcome. To get an overview of how simple elbow dislocations are treated in the Netherlands we performed a survey among Dutch surgeons. Methods: All members of the Dutch Society of Traumatology received an e-mail with the request to fill out an electronic questionnaire. Results: The response rate was 17% (n=90) . Thirty vive (39%) of them stated that stability testing after reposition of the joint did not influence subsequent form of treatment. Sixty three percent of them treated patients with a above the elbow cast for a mean of 3.4 weeks. Fifty five (61%) responders used stability testing as a guide for treatment. joint is stable after reposition. In the case of a stabile joint 64% of these surgeons treat patients with functional treatment. When there is joint instability 24% prefer functional treatment with a hinged external fixator. Conclusion: The results of this inquiry among Dutch surgeons showed that the majority of simple elbow dislocations are treated with immobilisation and that functional treatment is not widespread.