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Elbow dislocations are the second most common dislocations in adults, behind shoulder dislocations. The elbow is a very stable joint and so it requires a lot of force to dislocate it.
What are the Symptoms?
- Extreme pain
- Obvious deformity (more so in complete dislocations)
- Bruising on the inside and outside of the elbow
Dislocated elbow explained
A dislocated elbow occurs usually as a result of a fall, or a direct blow and often involves an associated fracture of the Radius, Humerus or Ulna. The most common mechanism involves falling onto an outstretched hand, with the arm away from the body and the elbow being forceably flexed on contact. There is usually also a twisting movement. This results in a posterior dislocation which accounts for up to 90% of all elbow dislocations. In a posterior dislocation the Ulna or the Radius (sometimes both!) moves backwards.
When the elbow is dislocated posteriorly this can be either partial (also known as a subluxation) or complete. With a partial dislocation the joint surfaces are separated by a small distance and usually reduce (return to their normal position) either instantly or with very little help. A complete dislocation occurs when the joint surfaces are considerably separated and can require a manual reduction (by a Doctor).
Dislocations usually involve damage to surrounding structures, most often the ligaments of the elbow joint, fractures to the Radius or Ulna or damage to the nerves or blood vessels which pass close to the elbow joint which may become trapped (pinched) by the moving bone.
What can the athlete do?
- Visit a Doctor or Hospital immediately
- Apply ice or cold therapy to the elbow
- Put the elbow in a sling to support it
- DO NOT attempt to 'pop it back in' yourself! This can cause further damage
What can a professional do?
- A Doctor will assess your arm for swelling, deformity and movement
The lower arm and hand should also be checked for warmth and colour. A cold, white or blue tinged hand can indicate that a nerve or blood vessel has been trapped or damaged
- An MRI or X-ray may be performed (sometimes before, sometimes after reduction)
In a complete dislocation (or a partial dislocation which has not reduced itself) a reduction will be performed to return the elbow back to the correct position
- This involves manipulating the elbow into a position which forces the bones back to their natural position.
- The elbow is rested in a sling for between 1 and 3 weeks dependant on the extent of damage
A rehabilitation program should then be followed.
- Following a period of immobilization, gentle mobility exercises should be commenced to increase the range of motion at the elbow joint.
- Once range of motion is close to normal, strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the elbow should begin.
- Damage to surrounding ligaments shoud also be treated as described here
Taping or a support can be used on a return to sport