Novel Technique for Closed Reduction of Incarcerated Medial Epicondyle from the Elbow Joint Surgical/Technical Tips

Abstract

While the majoriy of pediatric elbow dislocations are associated with a medial epicondyle fracture, an intra-articular incarecerated medial epicondyle is a rare complication of closed elbow reduction. Elbow dislocations with incarceration of the medial epicondyle in the elbow joint have typically been considered an absolute indication for surgical intervention. There are few described closed reduction techniques for intra-articular incarcerated medial epicondyle fractures and closed manipulation is often unsuccessful according to the literature. We demonstrate a novel technique in which the incarcerated medial epicondyle can be extricated from the joint without the use of sedation, thus allowing for conservative management of these difficult injuries and reducing the risk of perioperative complications.