TITLE:
Floating Elbow: Anatomical, Clinical, Therapeutic and Outcome Aspects in 11 Cases at Bouake University Hospital
AUTHORS:
Bada Justin Léopold Niaoré Sery, Achié Jean-Regis Akobe, Kouamé Innocent M’Bra, Loukou Blaise Yao, Kouamé Jean-Eric Kouassi, Yao Guy Serge N’Guessan, Ibrahim Soumahoro, Michel Kodo
KEYWORDS:
Floating Elbows, Surgical Treatment, Screw-Fixed Plate, Elbow Stiffness
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
16,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Floating elbows are rare but serious conditions. They are treated surgically. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of floating elbows at Bouaké University Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study covering a 10-year period. It included all patients aged over 15 years presenting with a floating elbow who were treated and followed up for at least 3 months in the department. Results: The hospital prevalence was 0.17 percent. The mean age of patients was 19.8 years. Men were predominantly affected. Road traffic accidents were the main cause (n = 9; 81%). The fractures were open in 8 cases. According to the Rogers classification, Group Ia fractures were the most common. The mean time to treatment was 5.4 days. Treatment was most often surgical (10 cases). Fixation using a screw-fixed plate was the most commonly used method. The mean time to union was 4 months. Elbow stiffness (n = 10) was the most common complication. Functional outcomes were good in 6 out of 8 cases. Conclusion: Floating elbows are rare injuries. The injuries most commonly involved the diaphysis of the humerus and both forearm bones. Surgical treatment yielded good functional outcomes. Elbow stiffness remains the main complication of these injuries.