A Case of 3-month-old Neglected Elbow Dislocation Managed by Open Reduction and Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Tendon Graft.

Introduction: Old neglected posterior type of elbow dislocations is not very common and generally requires open reduction. It was usually treated with open reduction and K-wire stabilization. We did a newer method in which in addition cruciate type ligament reconstruction; we have reconstructed lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) and UCL (medial collateral ligament) using semitendinosus graft. This allowed extra stability and early mobilization of the elbow joint. Authors report 3-month-old neglected posterior type of elbow dislocation without any fracture.

Case Report: A 42-year-old male presented with pain and tenderness with deformity of the left elbow joint and inability to move the elbow joint after he fell down since 3 months. There was no neurovascular deficit. Radiological examination confirmed posterior dislocation of elbow joint without any fracture. The patient is managed by open reduction and cruciate ligament reconstruction of elbow joint using autologous semitendinosus graft.

Conclusion: Open reduction with cruciate ligament reconstruction provides excellent stability for early mobilization of old neglected elbow dislocation.