An elbow dislocation with ligament damage only is called a simple elbow dislocation. A complex elbow dislocation is associated with fractures. Early mobilisation exercises may prevent elbow stiffness. Case one is a 27yearold woman with a simple elbow dislocation. The patient was started on early mobilisation exercises immediately. Case two is a 58yearold man with a complex elbow dislocation. Following open reduction and internal fixation, a hinged elbow fixator was applied and the patient was immediately started on active mobilisation exercises. Case three is a 49yearold woman with elbow stiffness and joint incongruence following persistent joint instability after a simple elbow dislocation. After arthrolysis, a hinged elbow fixator was mounted. In conclusion, early mobilisation exercises after an elbow dislocation are mandatory for full functional recovery. Immobilisation in a plaster cast should not be used. In cases of persistent instability a hinged elbow fixator is indicated.

hdl.handle.net/1765/81445
Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Department of Surgery

den Hartog, D., van Lieshout, E., & Verhofstad, M. (2015). Elbow dislocation: Early exercise for the best result. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, 159(28). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/81445