Causes

Elbow Dislocations are uncommon. They typically occur when a person falls on a outstretched hand. When a person hits the ground the force is sent to the elbow.

A simple dislocation does not have a major bone injury.

A complex dislocation can have severe bone and ligament injuries.

A severe dislocation occurs when blood vessels and nerves that travel across the elbow are damaged. When this occurs the patient is at risk of losing their arm.

Symptoms

A complete arm dislocation is very painful and obvious. The arm will looked deformed and twisted near the elbow.

Partial dislocations are harder to detect. As a result of only partially dislocating, the bones can relocate and appear fairly normal. The elbow will move somewhat well, but there will be pain. Bruising will appear on the inside and outside of the elbow.

Treatments

Elbow dislocations are an emergency injury. The goal of immediate treatment is to realign the elbow. Long-term goals are to regain function in the elbow.

Non-Surgical:

Elbow alignment can be restored in an emergency department of the hospital. The patient is given sedatives and pain medications. Doctors will perform a procedure called Reduction Maneuver to align the elbow.

Simple dislocations can be treated by keeping the elbow immobile in a sling for 1-3 weeks followed by early motion exercises.

Surgical:

In a complex dislocation surgery may be necessary to align bones and repair ligaments. The elbow will be placed in a external hinge to protect the elbow from dislocating again. If blood vessels and nerves were damaged in the injury additional surgery may be required.

What Is Elbow Dislocation?

More Information About Elbow Dislocation

Causes

Symptoms

Treatments

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