Fracture dislocations of the elbow in athletes.

Elbow dislocations can result in extensive injury to the supporting structures of the elbow joint. Principles of treatment include prompt reduction of the dislocation and treatment of associated fractures. The goal is to restore joint stability and to allow for early mobility. Most simple dislocations are stable after closed reduction with early mobility that can lead to anatomic and functional restoration. When stability is compromised, as with many complex dislocations, further stabilization with ligament repair, reconstruction, and fracture fixation also can lead to satisfactory results. The prognosis following complex dislocations is more guarded in the athlete, and depends on anatomic restoration and initiation of early motion.