Recurrent traumatic elbow dislocation.

Another example of a rare complication of a common elbow luxation is added to the recorded cases, coupled with an updated review of the literature. In a 14-year-old boy, the etiology initially was typical trauma and subsequently resulted in chronic instability. The severity of the ligamentous trauma was not appreciated until the lesion was examined by medial and lateral exposures of the elbow. The Osborne and Cotterill repair procedure was found not feasible. Substitution of dual slings of tendinous fascia lata by implantation successfully restored ginglymus joint stability and corrected recurrent elbow dislocation. No recurrences occurred after repeated follow-up examinations. This procedure is recommended when other options are nonexistent.