The elbow is the second most common joint dislocated in adults. Up to 20% o
f dislocations are associated with fractures. Treatment principles are redu
ction of the joint, stabilization of associated fractures, and early motion
. Ligament repairs or reconstruction and hinged external fixators are neces
sary in some cases to restore stability for early motion. In general, simpl
e dislocations have a better prognosis than complex dislocations (fracture-
dislocations).