Neglected Iatrogenic Elbow Joint Dislocation. Didactic Case Report.

We present a case of a neglected dislocation of the elbow joint. A 28-year-old patient suffered elbow joint dislocation with fracture of the radial head after a fall from a considerable height. Following a failed attempt at manual repositioning, the dislocation was reduced surgically and free fragments of the radial head were removed without stabilisation with a Kirschner wire. The joint was immobilised for 6 weeks in an arm-to-hand plaster cast, followed by two weeks during which an elbow joint orthosis with adjustable flexion was worn. The patient then attended rehabilitation. The first follow-up radiograph was obtained as late as 5 months following the operation and revealed a neglected dislocation and periarticular ossifications. Subsequent procedures did not improve limb function and the course was also complicated by a joint infection. The ultimate functional outcome is unsatisfactory. According to the principles of trauma care, all repositioning procedures need to be confirmed with a follow-up radiograph.