The retrieved documents provide useful anatomical context. I'll now compose a comprehensive, well-structured abstract for a case presentation of neglected elbow joint dislocation, supplementing with established clinical knowledge.
Abstract: Neglected Elbow Joint Dislocation — A Case Presentation
Background
Elbow joint dislocation is one of the most common large-joint dislocations, typically resulting from a fall on an outstretched hand with the elbow in extension. The elbow complex — comprising the ulnohumeral, radiocapitellar, and proximal radioulnar articulations — allows flexion-extension and forearm pronation-supination, making it functionally critical for activities of daily living (Bailey and Love's, p. 558). A "neglected" or chronically unreduced elbow dislocation is defined as a dislocation that remains unreduced for more than three weeks. It is an uncommon but challenging clinical entity, seen predominantly in low-resource settings, pediatric populations, and patients with delayed presentation due to lack of access to orthopaedic care.
Case Presentation
A [age]-year-old [male/female] patient presented to the orthopaedic outpatient department with a [duration]-week history of pain, deformity, and progressive functional limitation of the right/left elbow following a fall. The patient had not sought medical attention at the time of injury. On examination, there was a fixed flexion deformity of the elbow, posterior prominence of the olecranon, absence of the normal posterior triangle of the elbow, diffuse swelling, and fibrosis around the joint. Neurovascular status of the limb was intact. Radiographic evaluation (anteroposterior and lateral views) confirmed a posterior elbow dislocation with no associated fracture. No evidence of heterotopic ossification was noted at presentation.
Management
Given the chronicity of the dislocation, closed reduction under general anaesthesia was first attempted, without success due to organized periarticular fibrosis and soft-tissue contracture. The patient subsequently underwent open reduction via a posterior approach. Intraoperatively, dense fibrous adhesions were released, the coronoid fossa and olecranon fossa were cleared of fibrous tissue, and the joint was reduced under direct vision. Collateral ligament integrity was assessed and augmented as required. Postoperatively, the elbow was splinted in 90° of flexion, followed by a supervised physiotherapy program to restore range of motion.
Outcome
At [X]-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated a functional arc of motion (30°–110° flexion), with full forearm rotation and no neurovascular deficits. Functional outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), which showed a [good/excellent] result. No avascular necrosis, re-dislocation, or post-operative heterotopic ossification was observed.
Discussion
Neglected elbow dislocation presents unique surgical challenges including capsular and ligamentous contracture, fibrofatty filling of articular recesses, and risk of injury to the adjacent ulnar nerve, median nerve, and brachial artery during reduction. The longer the interval from injury to reduction, the greater the degree of periarticular fibrosis and risk of residual stiffness. Early surgical intervention with meticulous soft-tissue release, combined with structured post-operative rehabilitation, is key to a satisfactory functional outcome. Heterotopic ossification and post-traumatic arthritis remain potential long-term complications requiring surveillance.
Conclusion
Neglected elbow dislocation, though uncommon, demands prompt recognition and surgical management. Open reduction with thorough periarticular release offers a reliable and effective approach in chronic cases where closed reduction has failed. Early rehabilitation is essential to maximize functional recovery and prevent recurrent stiffness.
Keywords: Neglected elbow dislocation, chronic elbow dislocation, open reduction, periarticular fibrosis, elbow contracture, Mayo Elbow Performance Score
Note: This abstract follows a standard case report format (Background, Case Presentation, Management, Outcome, Discussion, Conclusion). If you have specific patient details (age, duration of neglect, associated injuries, exact ROM measurements), share them and I can tailor this abstract precisely to your case.