Left Elbow Dislocation and Lateral Ligament Tear: Surgical Considerations

Left shoulder dislocation with rupture of the lateral ligament?

Hello, doctor! On January 8, I dislocated my left elbow while skiing in Japan.
It was reduced on the same day, but it was misaligned, so I returned to Hong Kong and successfully had it realigned at Eastern Hospital on January 10.
I have been following up at the hospital every month on the 21st as follows:
- January 21: During the follow-up, my hand was swollen and painful, and X-rays showed asymmetrical gaps between the two bones and soft tissues.
- February 21: Most of the swelling had subsided, but I could only bend my elbow to about 90 degrees and extend it to about 15 degrees.
The X-rays still showed the same issue, and there was a slight downward displacement when the elbow was extended horizontally, so the doctor suggested an MRI.
- March 21: After one month of rehabilitation therapy, I could bend my left elbow to 135 degrees and extend it to 0 degrees.
However, after reviewing the MRI, the doctor found that two lateral ligaments were torn, leading to elbow instability, and recommended surgery to reconstruct the damaged ligaments using a graft from my thigh.
My questions are as follows: I can now move my left hand freely and manage most daily activities, but I do not have the strength I had before the injury, with my left hand measuring 27 and my right hand measuring 43.
Could you please provide me with some advice or suggestions? Is it necessary to undergo surgery immediately to address this issue? If I choose not to have surgery, what impact could that have on my future? Thank you.

Fei Zai, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/03

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Rehabilitation can continue for another three months before reassessing the possibility of regaining some muscle strength.
If there is still significant instability and weakness, surgery may be necessary.

Reply Date: 2019/04/03

More Info

In your case, it sounds like you have experienced a significant injury to your left elbow, including a dislocation and a lateral ligament tear. The management of such injuries can be complex, and the decision to proceed with surgery often depends on several factors, including the degree of instability in the joint, your functional needs, and the potential for long-term complications if surgery is not performed.

From your description, it appears that you have made some progress in your recovery, with improved range of motion and the ability to perform most daily activities. However, the fact that you still have a noticeable difference in strength between your left and right arms suggests that there may be underlying instability in the elbow joint due to the torn ligaments. The lateral collateral ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the elbow during movement, especially when it comes to activities that require strength and precision.

If you choose not to undergo surgery, there are several potential consequences to consider. First, the instability in your elbow could lead to further joint damage over time, including the development of arthritis. This is particularly concerning if you engage in activities that place stress on the elbow, such as lifting or throwing. Additionally, the lack of stability may limit your ability to perform certain tasks or sports, potentially leading to frustration or a decreased quality of life.

On the other hand, if you decide to proceed with surgery, the goal would be to restore stability to the elbow joint by repairing the torn ligaments. The surgical procedure you mentioned, which involves using a tendon graft from your thigh, is a common approach for addressing significant ligament injuries. Post-operative rehabilitation will be crucial to regain strength and function, and it may take several months to fully recover.

Ultimately, the decision to have surgery should be made in consultation with your orthopedic surgeon. They can provide you with a detailed assessment of your current condition, the risks and benefits of surgery versus conservative management, and what you can expect in terms of recovery and rehabilitation. It may also be helpful to discuss your lifestyle and activity goals with your surgeon, as this can influence the recommendation for surgery.

In summary, while you have made progress in your recovery, the presence of torn ligaments and the difference in strength between your arms suggest that surgery may be beneficial in the long term. However, this decision should be made with careful consideration and professional guidance. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that you make the best choice for your individual situation.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Elbow Injuries: Insights on Ligament Damage and Recovery

Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident about five weeks ago, and I have two symptoms: a Colles' fracture in my left hand and a ligament injury in my right hand. Today, I mainly want to ask about the condition of my right hand. The accident occurred in another city, where I e...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
Injury to the lateral ligaments of the wrist can indeed lead to limited joint mobility. However, based on the description in your message, it is difficult to understand the true situation. A physical examination on-site, along with relevant physical and clinical assessments, is n...

Understanding Elbow Dislocation: Symptoms and Recovery Insights

Hello Doctor, on December 11, 2015, while playing basketball, I jumped and collided with another person, resulting in a fall where I landed on my left arm, causing an elbow dislocation. At that time, I managed to pull my arm back myself and went to the emergency room. The doctor ...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, elbow dislocation is quite common. In most cases, it can be reduced back into place without the need for surgical intervention. Only a small percentage of patients may have associated ligament injuries that lead to joint instability, which would require ligament reconstruc...

Elbow Ligament Surgery: Options and Hospitals in Taichung

Hello Dr. Wang, In October of this year, I unfortunately had a car accident that injured my elbow. After examination and assessment at the hospital, it was determined that I have a partial tear of the elbow ligaments (the hospital did not have the equipment to visualize the lig...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: The need for surgery in cases of ligament injuries depends on the stability of the joint and the extent of the ligament tear; not all cases require surgery. Medical centers in Taichung, such as Veterans General Hospital and the Department of Sports Medicine at China Medica...

Understanding Lateral Epicondyle Ligament Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hello, Doctor. I was involved in a motorcycle collision previously. On the day of the incident, I took the other party to the emergency room, where X-rays were taken. The emergency physician stated that there were no obvious issues, only minor contusions or abrasions. However, th...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Lateral humeral epicondylar avulsion fractures can be treated by fixing larger bone fragments with bone screws, which can lead to good functional outcomes. The ideal surgical intervention typically occurs around two weeks post-injury. Unlike tennis elbow, which is usually caused ...