Treatment of Neglected Elbow Dislocation with Secondary Heterotopic Ossification

A traumatic elbow dislocation that remains unreduced for more than three weeks is classified as a neglected elbow dislocation. This condition is sometimes accompanied by a coronoid fracture and a radial head fracture. The standard approach involves reducing the dislocation, addressing the as-sociated fractures, and stabilizing the elbow. In this case, we report on a patient with a neglected elbow dislocation and a radial head fracture. Initially, the patient was treated with immobilization in a cast for three weeks, followed by physiotherapy. However, six months after the initial trauma, he presented to our clinic with severe heterotopic ossification, accompanied by pain and significant elbow stiffness. An open surgical procedure was required, during which the heterotopic bone was excised, the dislocation was reduced, and the anterior capsule was sutured to the coronoid process. Due to the irreparable nature of the radial head fracture, radial head arthroplasty was performed. At 18 months follow-up, the elbow was stable and pain-free, with a range of motion (flexion-extension) 80 degrees. Pronation was 85 degrees, and supination was 80 degrees. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term complications in neglected elbow dislocations.