Elbow joint luxation

Luxation of the elbow joint accounts for one-fifth of all luxations and is very often associated with a fracture of the radial head, the coronoid process, or a fracture of the epicondyle. Luxation is always associated with lesion of the collateral ligaments and one should think of nerve injury' (nervus medianus and nervus ulnaris').

Classification
1. Humeroulnar luxation'
 * dorsal = posterior luxation
 * dorsomedial (ulnar)
 * dorsolateral (radial)

2. Radioulnar luxation'
 * luxation of the radial head - usually occurs in combination with a fracture of the proximal part of the ulna.

Diagnostics

 * anamnesis - circumstances and mechanism of luxation
 * clinical examination - examination of joint stability, peripheral circulation and innervation (n. medianus, n. ulnaris)
 * RTG - exclusion of luxation fracture

Therapies

 * conservative' - closed repositioning under local anaesthesia
 * operative - if repositioning is not possible, ligament reconstruction is usually performed at the same time

Complications

 * nerve involvement - especially n. ulnaris
 * vascular injuries
 * compartment syndrome
 * periatric ossification
 * limitation of joint mobility

Related articles

 * Luxation
 * Dislocation of Shoulder Joint