Abstract
The indication for surgery in a patient with an acute simple elbow dislocation remains debatable. The decision to perform surgery depends on the patient and the severity of the instability. Surgery can be performed with an open or an arthroscopic technique. Arthroscopic evaluation of the unstable elbow is helpful in both acute and chronic cases. Medial and lateral laxity can be evaluated under direct view of the ulnohumeral and radiohumeral joint spaces. Varus and valgus testing can show opening of the joint space. Arthroscopic repair is possible, as well as open repair. We prefer to use a bone anchor. Postoperatively the patient is protected in a brace that allows for progressive extension.
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The author has a teaching and speaking agreement with Wright Medical, Acumed, and Zimmer-Biomet.
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van Riet, R.P. (2020). Arthroscopic Assessment and Management of Instability: When and How to Do Surgery in Simple Dislocations. In: Bain, G., Eygendaal, D., van Riet, R. (eds) Surgical Techniques for Trauma and Sports Related Injuries of the Elbow. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58931-1_27
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58931-1_27
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