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Treatment of Simple Elbow Dislocation Using an Immediate Motion Protocol

Glen Ross, CDR, MC, USN^,,, Edward R. McDevitt, CAPT, MC, USN^,, Raymond Chronister, ATC^|| and P. Norman Ove, CDR, MC, USNR^,

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
Department of Sports Medicine, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
^|| Department of Athletic Training, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

Presented at the interim meetings of the AOSSM and the American Society of Elbow Surgeons, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 1998, and at the American Society of Elbow Surgeons open meeting, Kiawah Island, South Carolina, April 1998.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to CDR Glen Ross, MC, USN, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NMCLA, 250 Woods Road, Annapolis, MD 21402

The results of treatment after closed reduction of elbow dislocation vary. Twenty consecutive patients with closed posterior elbow dislocations were treated prospectively on a rapid motion, nonimmobilized functional regimen. This treatment protocol emphasizes immediate active range of motion under close supervision. No slings or splints were employed. Final range of motion averaged -4° to 139°. All patients attained final extension within 5° of the contralateral side. Each patient achieved his final range of motion within an average of 19 days after reduction of the dislocation. Arm circumference returned to normal at an average of 6.5 days. There was one redislocation. After treatment, all patients met qualification for graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy and were able to pursue unrestricted athletic and career options. Our findings suggest that an aggressive immediate motion rehabilitation allows nearly full final elbow motion and an excellent functional outcome.