Our Summary

This research paper discusses a case where a 12-day-old baby boy had a deformity in his right elbow, preventing him from being able to bend it. X-rays and CT scans revealed the bones in his elbow were out of alignment, suggesting an elbow dislocation. The doctors treated the baby with surgery, adjusting the elbow’s position and fixing it with a type of pin called a Kirschner wire. One year later, the baby’s elbow is stable, he can move it normally, and it has healed well. The research concludes that the elbow joint can sometimes be dislocated from birth due to underdevelopment of the bones or tissues in the joint.

FAQs

  1. What are some signs of a congenital dislocation of the ulnohumeral joint in infants?
  2. What surgical procedures are used to treat a dislocated elbow in infants?
  3. What is the prognosis for infants who undergo elbow surgery for a dislocated ulnohumeral joint?

Doctor’s Tip

Tip: After elbow surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully, including attending physical therapy sessions and doing prescribed exercises to help regain strength and range of motion in your elbow. Be patient with your recovery process and communicate any concerns or pain to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for elbow surgery include those with:

  1. Congenital dislocation of the ulnohumeral joint, as seen in the case described above.
  2. Traumatic elbow injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears.
  3. Arthritis affecting the elbow joint, leading to pain and limited range of motion.
  4. Cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition where the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, causing numbness and weakness in the hand.
  5. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), which are overuse injuries causing pain and inflammation at the elbow.
  6. Osteochondritis dissecans, a condition where a piece of bone and cartilage breaks off from the joint surface, causing pain and limited motion.
  7. Elbow instability, where the joint is loose and prone to dislocation.
  8. Elbow contracture, where there is a loss of motion in the joint due to tightness or scarring of the soft tissues surrounding the elbow.

Overall, patients who have persistent pain, instability, limited range of motion, or functional impairment of the elbow joint may be recommended for surgical intervention to improve their symptoms and quality of life.

Timeline

Before elbow surgery:

  1. Patient presents with elbow deformity and limited range of motion.
  2. Radiographs and imaging studies are performed to diagnose the extent of the elbow dislocation.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends open reduction and fixation of the elbow joint to correct the deformity.

After elbow surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation of the elbow joint.
  2. Post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy are initiated to regain strength and range of motion in the elbow.
  3. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and assess the function of the elbow joint.
  4. At 1-year follow-up, the patient has a well-reduced and stable elbow joint with a functional range of movements.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific procedure you will be performing on my elbow?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What are the expected outcomes and success rates for this type of surgery?
  6. Will I experience any long-term effects or limitations after the surgery?
  7. How soon can I expect to return to my normal daily activities and sports?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered for my condition?
  9. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  10. Is there anything else I should know or consider before undergoing elbow surgery?

Reference

Authors: Agrawal AC, Inamdar AP, Garg AK, Choudhary R. Journal: JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Mar 16;12(1). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00444. PMID: 35294416