Our Summary

In simple terms, this research paper discusses two rare cases of severe elbow injury known as ‘floating-dislocated elbow’, which is when the elbow is dislocated and the bones above and below the elbow are fractured. This kind of injury is usually caused by a high-impact incident, like a fall from a height.

The challenge for doctors was deciding what to treat first - the dislocated elbow or the fractured bones. The patients’ fractures were treated first with surgery to realign and stabilize the broken bones. Afterwards, the dislocated elbow was put back in place and the entire arm was put in a cast for three weeks.

Two months after the surgery, X-rays showed that the bones had healed. After two years, both patients had regained full use of their arms, including complete movement of their elbows.

This paper not only adds two new cases to the very limited number of similar cases reported in adults, but it also introduces a new variant of the injury that hasn’t been reported before. The authors emphasize the importance of immediate treatment and stable fixation of the fractures, which allows for early rehabilitation and excellent long-term recovery.

FAQs

  1. What is a ‘floating-dislocated elbow’?
  2. What is the treatment process for a severe elbow injury like a floating-dislocated elbow?
  3. What is the importance of immediate treatment and stable fixation of the fractures in cases of floating-dislocated elbow injuries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions diligently to ensure proper healing and rehabilitation. This may include wearing a cast or brace, attending physical therapy sessions, and avoiding certain activities that could put strain on the elbow. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider for optimal recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended elbow surgery include those with severe elbow injuries such as dislocations, fractures, ligament tears, nerve compression, arthritis, and other conditions that cause pain, instability, or limited range of motion in the elbow joint. In cases where conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications have not provided relief, surgery may be recommended to repair or reconstruct damaged tissues, stabilize the joint, or improve function. Patients with severe trauma, sports injuries, or degenerative conditions may also be candidates for elbow surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of action for their individual needs.

Timeline

Overall timeline of patient experiences before and after elbow surgery:

Before surgery:

  • High-impact incident causing floating-dislocated elbow injury
  • Fractured bones above and below the elbow
  • Dislocated elbow
  • Evaluation by doctors to determine treatment plan

During surgery:

  • Fractures treated first with surgery to realign and stabilize bones
  • Dislocated elbow put back in place
  • Arm placed in cast for three weeks

After surgery:

  • Two months post-surgery: X-rays show bones have healed
  • Two years post-surgery: Patients regain full use of arms, including complete movement of elbows
  • Paper published, adding new cases to rare injury data
  • Emphasis on importance of immediate treatment, stable fixation, and early rehabilitation for optimal recovery

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about elbow surgery include:

  1. What type of elbow injury do I have, and what are the treatment options available?
  2. What is the success rate of the surgery for my specific injury?
  3. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect in terms of pain and mobility during that time?
  4. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with the surgery, and how likely are they to occur?
  5. Will I require physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery, and if so, what will that involve?
  6. What are the long-term effects or implications of this type of surgery for my elbow?
  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to protect my elbow in the future?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I expect to regain full use of my arm and elbow?
  9. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of during the recovery process?
  10. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery, and what signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with my elbow healing properly?

Reference

Authors: Veliceasa B, Pertea M, Popescu D, Carp CA, Pinzaru R, Huzum B, Alexa O, Strobescu-Ciobanu C, Filip A. Journal: Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Sep 30;101(39):e30891. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030891. PMID: 36181018