Neglected dislocation of the elbow

We retrospectively review the intermediate-term to long-term results of 24 patients treated after late open reduction of neglected posterior elbow dislocation in terms of the elbow, particularly noting joint mobility. The mean interval from injury to operation was 7.9 months (range, 1-60 months). The posterior approach with V-Y muscleplasty was used in most patients with 2 to 3 weeks postoperative immobilization. The average preoperative arc of elbow flexion was from 17° with an average maximum flexion of 27° (range, 5-60°) and an average flexion contracture of 10° (range, 0-30°). The mean followup was 48.3 months (range, 12-132 months). At the time of final followup, the average arc of elbow flexion was 82° with an average of maximum flexion of 122° (range, 90-150°) and an average flexion contracture of 40° (range, 0-75°). There was no correlation between the postoperative arc of elbow motion and preoperative parameters including patient age, preoperative arc of elbow motion, or duration of untreated dislocation.