Neglected Anterior Dislocation of the Elbow Joint: Case Report of a Rare Injury

Abstract

We present an unusual case of five months old neglected anterior dislocation of the right elbow joint in a 19-year old man. The patient had been initially treated by a traditional bone setter, but the elbow remained unreduced. He presented to us with pain, deformity and limited range of motion of his right elbow joint. Radiographs revealed an unreduced anterior dislocation of the right elbow joint. We describe the problems encountered during open reduction and rehabilitation and result one year after the operation with the patient having a stable elbow and a functional range of motion.

Keywords

• elbow joint
• neglected dislocation
• triceps
• olecranon
• humerus