GOALS OF THE STUDY: To analyse the results of non surgical management of isolated dislocation (without any fractures) of the elbow in adult. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed with an average follow up of 36 months 22 patients (22 elbows) who had been treated conservatively after a first episode of posterior dislocation of the elbow. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (86%) reported an excellent or a good subjective result, although 64% suffered occasionally from pain. None had presented a recurrent dislocation. At physical examination, 27% had a restricted extension of the elbow of 10 degrees and more, and 27% had some kind of chronic laxity. Fifty percent had modifications visible on the X-rays. We found no correlation between laxity and duration of immobilization. At contrary, patients who were immobilized for a longer time than 3 weeks suffered more often of a painful restricted extension of the elbow. DISCUSSION: Conservative management of posterior dislocation of the elbow has a good prognosis. Occasional pain and chronic laxity are often present but well supported. Early mobilization decreases the risk of permanent limited extension of the elbow.