The burden of chronic elbow dislocations in Cambodia and early results of a cost-effective surgical approach

Abstract

Chronic elbow dislocation presents a surgical challenge and there is difficulty in balancing stability with early mobilisation. We present a series of 103 patients treated with open reduction via a posterior approach and provide early results of an alternative combined medial and lateral approach (Soddo technique, Anderson et al.). Of the 103 patients, 81% initially consulted a traditional healer and the mean dislocation period was 11 weeks. There was significant loss to follow-up. Only 12 patients having undergone the posterior approach had complete datasets. The mean preoperative arc of movement was 10° and the postoperative arc was 65° at a mean follow-up of 16 weeks. Five patients treated with the Soddo technique had sufficient follow-up data. The mean preoperative arc was 20° and the mean postoperative arc was 95° (mean follow-up of 20 days). Those having undergone the Soddo technique achieved a 20° greater increase in range of movement and no re-dislocations.