In a previous study, 100 adult patients with elbow dislocations were treated using either early mobilization or plaster immobilization in a randomized controlled trial assessing functional outcome. The data from the previous trial was used in the present cost analysis to compare the costs of early mobilization and plaster immobilization. Results demonstrated non-significant differences in total cost and costs associated with productivity loss between groups. The early mobilization group was noted for significant shorter work absenteeism in comparison to immobilization.