In spite of the elbow being a very stable joint, elbow dislocation is still very common. Elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) move out of place compared with the bone of the upper arm (the humerus). The elbow joint, formed where these 3 bones meet, becomes dislocated, or out of joint. Specific, serious injuries that may occur are fractures (breaking of the bones in the arm), injuries to the arteries in the arm (the vessels carrying blood to the hand), and injuries to the nerves that run through the elbow area, impairing movement and feeling in the arm and hand.
Elbow Dislocation Symptoms
- The main symptom of a elbow dislocation is severe pain at the elbow joint.
- The patient will have great difficulty moving your arm even a little bit.
- If the elbow is touched from the side, it feels mushy, as if the underlying bone is gone (usually the humeral head – top of the arm bone – is displaced below and toward the front).
How does a elbow dislocation happen?
A elbow dislocation generally occurs after an injury such as a fall or a sports-related injury. About 95% of the time, when the elbow dislocates, the top of the humerus is sitting in front of the elbow blade–an anterior dislocation. In less than 5% of cases, the top of the humerus is behind the elbow blade–a posterior dislocation. Posterior dislocations are unusual, and seen after injuries such as electrocution or after a seizure.
Elbow Dislocation Treatment
Elbow dislocation should be considered an emergency injury. The goal of immediate treatment of a dislocated elbow is to return the elbow to its normal alignment. The long- term goal is to restore function to the arm.
Simple elbow dislocation are treated by keeping the elbow immobile in a splint or sling for two to three weeks, followed by early motion exercises. In a complex elbow dislocation, surgery may be necessary to restore bone alignment and repair ligaments.
When to Seek Medical Care
A person should go to the doctor’s office or hospital’s emergency department immediately if they are unable to move their elbow, have severe pain, cannot feel their hand, or have no pulse in the wrist.
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