Drop sign of the elbow joint after surgical stabilization of an unstable simple posterolateral dislocation: natural course and contributing factors.

Background: We performed this study to investigate the natural course and factors affecting the incidence of drop sign immediately after stabilization of an unstable posterolateral (PL) dislocation of the elbow.

Methods: Twenty-three patients who underwent a stabilization procedure for persistent instability after closed reduction of PL dislocation of the elbow were enrolled. The natural course was evaluated with simple radiographs taken at regular intervals after the operation.