The operative treatment of elbow dislocation in the adult.

Operative treatment of traumatic dislocation of the elbow joint is indicated when there is proved gross instability or osteochondral fractures and loose bodies, or both. We performed a capsule-ligament repair in twenty-eight patients, and no cast was applied postoperatively. Satisfactory results were achieved with an average follow-up of two and one-half months. In all patients postoperative assisted range-of-motion exercise was begun after the operative wound and healed. The functional outcome depended on the osseous lesions involving the articular surface and on the time interval between the accident and the operation.