Characteristics of Elbow Dislocation in Patients with Preexisting Cubitus Varus

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical presentations, patterns of soft-tissue injuries, and outcomes of treatment of elbow dislocations in patients with preexisting cubitus varus.

Methods: Four cases of elbow dislocation in patients with preexisting cubitus varus, which were treated at 3 residency training hospitals, were retrospectively reviewed. Soft-tissue injury patterns were investigated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical outcomes were assessed at an average of 50.8 months (range, 34–82 months) after treatment using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score.

Results: The mean patient age was 49.5 years (range, 33–57 years). All patients had a posteromedial elbow dislocation, which was an indirect injury caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. One patient had failed closed reduction; 3 others had redislocation or gross instability after closed reduction. Significant tears of the lateral collateral ligament complex and common extensor group were shown in MRI. All patients had surgical treatment including lateral complex repair only (n = 2), repair of both sides' complexes (n = 1), and corrective osteotomy with lateral complex repair (n = 1). At the final follow-up, the mean MEPS was 92.5 ± 8.7 and the mean QuickDASH score was 4.5 ± 6.4.

Conclusions: Elbow dislocation in patients with preexisting cubitus varus may present as posteromedial dislocation with acute instability. Surgical treatment of this injury led to acceptable clinical outcomes.