Recurrent Dislocation of the Elbow

Abstract

Recurrent dislocation of the elbow usually follows simple traumatic dislocation and it is uncommon. We treated such a case. The patient was twenty-nine years old man. The initial injury had occurred two months previously and was treated by reduction and immobilization. He visited our hospital and complained of instability of the right elbow.
We found radius head was subluxated posterior when he pulled his forearm in supination by himself. The arthrogram showed the laxity of the lateral capsule and collateral ligament. Surgical treatment was indicated. With operation we repaired the capsule and ligament by Osborne & Cotterill method. Follow-up examination three months later revealed a stable and pain-free elbow.