Neglected dislocation of the elbow.

We retrospectively review the intermediate-term to long-term results of 24 patients treated after late open reduction of neglected posterior elbow dislocation in terms of the elbow, particularly noting joint mobility. The mean interval from injury to operation was 7.9 months (range, 1-60 months). The posterior approach with V-Y muscleplasty was used in most patients with 2 to 3 weeks postoperative immobilization. The average preoperative arc of elbow flexion was from 17 degrees with an average maximum flexion of 27 degrees (range, 5-60 degrees ) and an average flexion contracture of 10 degrees (range, 0-30 degrees ). The mean followup was 48.3 months (range, 12-132 months). At the time of final followup, the average arc of elbow flexion was 82 degrees with an average of maximum flexion of 122 degrees (range, 90-150 degrees) and an average flexion contracture of 40 degrees (range, 0-75 degrees). There was no correlation between the postoperative arc of elbow motion and preoperative parameters including patient age, preoperative arc of elbow motion, or duration of untreated dislocation.