What are the common causes of elbow dislocation. How can you recognize the symptoms of a dislocated elbow. What treatment options are available for elbow dislocation. When is surgery necessary for a dislocated elbow. How long does recovery from an elbow dislocation typically take.

Understanding Elbow Anatomy and Function

The elbow joint is a complex structure formed by the intersection of three bones: the humerus in the upper arm, and the radius and ulna in the forearm. This joint allows for two primary types of motion:

• Flexion and extension (bending and straightening) through a hinge-like mechanism
• Supination and pronation (rotating the palm up and down) via a ball-and-socket joint

Ligaments connect these bones, providing stability and proper alignment. The elbow’s unique anatomy allows for a wide range of motion essential for daily activities, but it also makes it susceptible to injury and dislocation under certain circumstances.

Key Components of Elbow Stability

Three primary factors contribute to elbow stability:

1. Bone surfaces
2. Ligaments
3. Muscles

When an elbow dislocation occurs, any or all of these structures may be affected to varying degrees. Understanding this interplay is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of elbow injuries.

Types of Elbow Dislocations: Complete vs. Partial

Elbow dislocations can be categorized into two main types:

Complete Dislocation

In a complete dislocation, the joint surfaces are entirely separated. This type of injury is often immediately apparent due to visible deformity and severe pain. Complete dislocations can be further classified as:

• Simple: No major bone injury accompanying the dislocation
• Complex: Involves severe bone and ligament injuries

Partial Dislocation (Subluxation)

Partial dislocations occur when the joint surfaces are only partly separated. These can be more challenging to detect, as the bones may spontaneously relocate, making the joint appear relatively normal. Patients with partial dislocations may experience pain and bruising, but retain some range of motion.

Do partial dislocations pose long-term risks? If left untreated, partial dislocations can lead to recurrent instability over time, particularly if the ligaments do not heal properly.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Elbow Dislocation

While elbow dislocations are not extremely common, they can occur due to various factors:

Traumatic Incidents

The most frequent cause of elbow dislocation is a fall onto an outstretched hand. The force transmitted through the arm, combined with a rotational component, can drive the elbow out of its socket. Other traumatic causes include:

• Car accidents, where passengers brace for impact
• Sports injuries, particularly in contact sports
• High-impact falls or collisions

Anatomical Predispositions

Some individuals may be at higher risk for elbow dislocations due to their anatomy:

• Ligament laxity: People born with looser ligaments are more prone to joint dislocations
• Shallow ulnar groove: A congenitally shallow groove in the ulna bone can increase dislocation risk

Can these anatomical factors be addressed to prevent dislocations? While it’s not always possible to change one’s anatomy, strengthening exercises and proper techniques in sports and daily activities can help mitigate risks for those with predisposing factors.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Dislocation

Identifying an elbow dislocation promptly is crucial for proper treatment. The symptoms can vary depending on whether the dislocation is complete or partial:

Complete Dislocation Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Visible deformity of the elbow
• Abnormal twisting or angle of the arm
• Inability to move the elbow
• Swelling and bruising

Partial Dislocation (Subluxation) Symptoms

• Moderate to severe pain
• Possible bruising on the inside and outside of the elbow
• Limited range of motion, but some movement may be possible
• Subtle instability or “slipping” sensation in the joint

Is it possible to mistake a partial dislocation for a less severe injury? Yes, partial dislocations can sometimes be mistaken for sprains or strains, which is why professional medical evaluation is essential for any significant elbow injury.

Diagnostic Procedures for Elbow Dislocation

Proper diagnosis of an elbow dislocation involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies:

Physical Examination

During the initial assessment, a healthcare provider will:

• Check for tenderness, swelling, and deformity
• Evaluate skin condition and circulation to the arm
• Assess pulse at the wrist
• Test nerve function and sensation in the hand

Imaging Studies

Various imaging techniques may be employed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the injury:

• X-rays: The primary tool for confirming dislocation and identifying bone injuries
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: Used when more detailed bone imaging is required
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Helpful for evaluating ligament damage, though rarely necessary for initial diagnosis

Why is immediate imaging crucial in cases of suspected elbow dislocation? Prompt imaging allows for quick confirmation of the dislocation, guides reduction techniques, and helps identify any associated fractures or soft tissue injuries that may complicate treatment.

Treatment Approaches for Elbow Dislocation

Elbow dislocation is considered an emergency injury, requiring prompt attention. The immediate goal is to restore normal alignment, while the long-term objective is to regain full arm function. Treatment approaches can be broadly categorized into nonsurgical and surgical interventions:

Nonsurgical Treatment

For simple dislocations without significant bone or ligament damage, nonsurgical treatment may be sufficient:

1. Closed reduction: The doctor manually realigns the elbow joint
2. Immobilization: A splint or sling is used to protect the elbow during initial healing
3. Pain management: Medications to control pain and inflammation
4. Physical therapy: Exercises to restore strength and range of motion

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be necessary in cases of:

• Complex dislocations with severe bone or ligament injuries
• Dislocations that cannot be reduced closed
• Vascular or nerve injuries accompanying the dislocation

Surgical procedures may involve repairing or reconstructing ligaments, fixing fractures, or addressing other soft tissue injuries.

How soon after injury should treatment begin? Ideally, treatment should start as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Prompt reduction of the dislocation can help minimize complications and improve outcomes.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Following Elbow Dislocation

The recovery process after an elbow dislocation can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. However, most patients can expect the following general timeline:

Immediate Post-Treatment Phase (0-2 weeks)

• Immobilization of the elbow to allow initial healing
• Pain management and swelling reduction
• Gentle range of motion exercises, if approved by the doctor

Early Rehabilitation Phase (2-6 weeks)

• Gradual increase in range of motion exercises
• Introduction of gentle strengthening exercises
• Continued pain management as needed

Advanced Rehabilitation Phase (6-12 weeks)

• Progressive strengthening of the arm and elbow
• Full range of motion exercises
• Functional training for daily activities and sports (if applicable)

What factors can influence recovery time? The severity of the initial injury, presence of associated fractures or ligament damage, adherence to rehabilitation protocols, and individual healing rates can all impact recovery duration.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Outlook

While many patients recover well from elbow dislocations, some may experience complications or long-term effects:

Possible Complications

• Recurrent instability or dislocation
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone formation in soft tissues)
• Nerve or vascular injury (in severe cases)

Long-Term Prognosis

The long-term outlook for patients with elbow dislocation is generally positive, especially with proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, some factors can influence the prognosis:

• Severity of the initial injury
• Presence of associated fractures or ligament tears
• Timeliness and quality of treatment
• Patient compliance with rehabilitation protocols
• Individual healing capacity and age

Can patients return to their pre-injury level of activity? Many patients can return to their previous level of activity, including sports, but this may take several months and require dedicated rehabilitation efforts. Some high-level athletes or those with complex injuries may need to modify their activities or techniques to prevent recurrence.

Understanding the anatomy, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for elbow dislocations is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. Prompt recognition and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications. While elbow dislocations can be serious injuries, advances in treatment techniques and rehabilitation protocols have greatly enhanced the potential for full recovery in many cases.

Elbow Dislocation – OrthoInfo – AAOS

When the joint surfaces of an elbow are separated, the elbow is dislocated. Elbow dislocations can be complete or partial, and usually occur after a trauma, such as a fall or accident. In a complete dislocation, the joint surfaces are completely separated. In a partial dislocation, the joint surfaces are only partly separated. A partial dislocation is also called a subluxation.

Normal elbow anatomy. 

Reproduced with permission from Tashjian RZ, Katarincic JA: Complex Elbow Instability. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2006;14:278-286.

Three bones come together to make up the elbow joint. The humerus is the bone in the upper arm. Two bones from the forearm (the radius and the ulna) form the lower part of the elbow. Each of these bones has a very distinct shape. 

Ligaments connected to the bones keep the elbow joint together and the bones in proper alignment.

The elbow is both a hinge joint and a ball and socket joint. As muscles contract and relax, two unique motions occur at the elbow.

• Bending occurs through a hinge joint that allows the elbow to bend and straighten. This is called flexion and extension, respectively.
• Rotation occurs though a ball and socket joint that allows the hand to be rotated palm up and palm down. This is called supination and pronation, respectively.

Injuries and dislocations to the elbow can affect either of these motions.

The ligaments of the elbow on the inner side (left) and outer side of the joint (right).

Elbow dislocations are not common. Elbow dislocations typically occur when a person falls onto an outstretched hand. When the hand hits the ground, the force is sent to the elbow. Usually, there is a turning motion in this force. This can drive and rotate the elbow out of its socket. Elbow dislocations can also happen in car accidents when the passengers reach forward to brace for impact.  The force that is sent through the arm can dislocate the elbow, just as in a fall.

The elbow is stable because of the combined stabilizing effects of bone surfaces, ligaments, and muscles. When an elbow dislocates, any or all of these structures can be injured to different degrees.

A complete elbow dislocation.

A simple dislocation does not have any major bone injury.

A complex dislocation can have severe bone and ligament injuries.

In the most severe dislocations, the blood vessels and nerves that travel across the elbow may be injured. If this happens, there is a risk of losing the arm.

Some people are born with greater laxity or looseness in their ligaments. These people are at greater risk for dislocating their elbows. Some people are born with an ulna bone that has a shallow groove for the elbow hinge joint. They have a slightly higher risk for dislocation.

A complete elbow dislocation is extremely painful and very obvious. The arm will look deformed and may have an odd twist at the elbow.

Partial elbow dislocation (subluxation).

A partial elbow dislocation or subluxation can be harder to detect. Typically, it happens after an accident. Because the elbow is only partially dislocated, the bones can spontaneously relocate and the joint may appear fairly normal. The elbow will usually move fairly well, but there may be pain. There may be bruising on the inside and outside of the elbow where ligaments may have been stretched or torn. Partial dislocations can continue to recur over time if the ligaments never heal.

During the physical examination, your doctor will examine your arm, checking for tenderness, swelling, and deformity. He or she will evaluate the skin and circulation to the arm. Pulses at the wrist will be checked. If the artery is injured at the time of dislocation, the hand will be cool to touch and may have a white or purple hue. This is caused by the lack of warm blood reaching the hand.

It is also important to check the nerve supply to the hand. If nerves have been injured during the dislocation, some or all of the hand may be numb and not able to move.

An x-ray is necessary to determine if there is a bone injury. X-rays can also help show the direction of the dislocation.

X-rays are the best way to confirm that the elbow is dislocated. If bone detail is difficult to identify on an x-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be done. If it is important to evaluate the ligaments, a magnetic resonance image (MRI) can be helpful, however, it is rarely required.

First, however, the doctor will set the elbow, without waiting for the CT scan or MRI. These studies are usually taken after the dislocated elbow has been put back in place.

An 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.

Nonsurgical Treatment

The normal alignment of the elbow can usually be restored in an emergency department at the hospital. Before this is done, sedatives and pain medications usually will be given. The act of restoring alignment to the elbow is called a reduction maneuver. It is done gently and slowly. 

Normal alignment after the elbow has been reduced.

Simple elbow dislocations are treated by keeping the elbow immobile in a splint or sling for 1 to 3 weeks, followed by early motion exercises. If the elbow is kept immobile for a long time, the ability to move the elbow fully (range of motion) may be affected. Physical therapy can be helpful during this period of recovery.

Some people will never be able to fully open (extend) the arm, even after physical therapy. Fortunately, the elbow can work very well even without full range of motion. Once the elbow’s range of motion improves, the doctor or physical therapist may add a strengthening program. X-rays may be taken periodically while the elbow recovers to ensure that the bones of the elbow joint remains well aligned.

Surgical Treatment

In a complex elbow dislocation, surgery may be necessary to restore bone alignment and repair ligaments. It can be difficult to realign a complex elbow dislocation and to keep the joint in line.

After surgery, the elbow may be protected with an external hinge. This device protects the elbow from dislocating again. If blood vessel or nerve injuries are associated with the elbow dislocation, additional surgery may be needed to repair the blood vessels and nerves and repair bone and ligament injuries.

A complex dislocation of the elbow. In addition to dislocation, there are multiple fractures of the elbow.

Late reconstructive surgery can successfully restore motion to some stiff elbows. This surgery removes scar tissue and extra bone growth. It also removes obstacles to movement.

Over time, there is an increased risk for arthritis in the elbow joint if the alignment of the bones is not good; the elbow does not move and rotate normally; or the elbow continues to dislocate.

Treatment for simple dislocations is usually straightforward and the results are usually good. Some people with complex dislocations still have some type of permanent disability at the elbow. Treatment is evolving to improve results for these people.

One of the areas being researched is the best time to schedule surgery for the treatment of a complex dislocation. For some patients with complex dislocations, it seems that a slight delay for final surgery may improve results by allowing swelling to decrease. The dislocation still needs to be reduced right away, but then a brace, splint, or external fixation frame may rest the elbow for about a week before a specialist surgeon attempts major reconstructive surgery.

Moving the elbow early appears to be good for recovery for both kinds of dislocations. Early movement with complex dislocations can be difficult, however. Pain management techniques encourage early movement. Improved therapy and rehabilitation techniques, such as continuous motion machines, dynamic splinting (spring-loaded assist devices), and progressive static splinting can improve results.

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Elbow Dislocation – Core EM

X-ray of Normal Elbow Anatomy – http://www.wikiradiography.net

Definition: Disarticulation of ulna from humerus.

Mechanism:

• Elbow joint is very stable and requires a significant force to dislocate- most common mechanism is fall onto outstretched arm
  • Posterior: elbow hyperextension, arm abduction, and forearm supination together cause movement of the olecranon posteriorly (ex: falling onto an extended arm)
  • Anterior: direct force to posterior forearm while elbow is in flexion

• Most dislocations have an associated injury to capsuloligamentous stabilizers that progresses from lateral to medial, with the anterior band of medial collateral ligamental (MCL )being the last to be injured and is most often intact after injury (exceptions: trans-olecranon fracture dislocations, coronoid fractures)

Elbow Anatomy – www. lifeinthefastlane.com

Epidemiology:

• Most common dislocation in children
• Second most common dislocation site in adults (shoulder is #1)
• Accounts for 10-25% of elbow injuries (Kuhn 2008)
• Posterolateral dislocations are most common
• Highest incidence in 10-20 year-old males associated with sports injuries
• Up to 50% have associated fracture

Posterior Dislocation – http://sportsrehabcoach.com/

Physical Exam:

• Varying degrees of gross swelling, deformity and instability
  • Posterior: elbow is flexed with prominence of olecranon- on palpation olecranon is displaced from plane of epicondyles (see image below)
  • Anterior: elbow held in full extension, upper arm appears shortened with forearm held in supination and elongated
• Perform neurovascular exam prior to manipulation and radiographs
  • Most commonly injured vessel: Brachial Artery- more common with anterior and open dislocations (see neurovascular anatomy image below)
  • Median and ulnar nerve are most susceptible to damage

Neurovascular Anatomy – http://accessemergencymedicine. mhmedical.com/

X-Ray: Posterior Dislocation – http://radiopaedia.org/

X-ray Findings:

Dislocation Classification – http://www.fprmed.com/

Dislocation Classification:

• Simple vs complex:
  • Simple: dislocation
  • Complex: dislocation with fracture
• Classify according to the direction of displacement of ulna relative to humerus
  • Posterior, posterolateral, posteromedial, lateral, medial, anterior

ED Management:

Parvin’s (A) and Meyn & Quigley (B) Reduction Techniques (Egol 2010)

• Emergent orthopedic consult for any patient with concern for vascular damage (loss of pulse), neurological deficits (loss of sensation, contractures) or open dislocation/fracture
• Simple Dislocation
  • Closed reduction: correction of medial or lateral displacement followed by longitudinal traction and flexion
    • Parvin’s method: patient lies prone with entire upper extremity hanging off the bed, downward traction is applied to the wrist for a few minutes—> olecranon slips distally, arm is then lifted gently (Method A)
    • Meyn & Quigley method: forearm hangs off of bed, gentle downward traction is applied to wrist, olecranon is guided with opposite hand (Method B)
  • Assess range of motion after reduction (instability can be appreciated with elbow extension)
  • Immobilize in long arm posterior splint with elbow in 90 degrees of flexion for 1-2 week with orthopedics follow up as outpatient within 1 week for repeat radiographs
    • A recent multi-center study suggests that early mobilization may be superior to immobilization with better functional outcomes at 6 weeks, but comparable functional outcomes at 1 year (Iordens 2015)
    • Prolonged immobiization (>3 weeks) is associated with poor functional outcomes, pain and contractures (Melhoff 1988)
  • If persistently unstable after reduction, splint, obtain repeat radiogrpahs to ensure elbow joint and fractures (if any) are in stable position and will need immediate orthopedics followup in the next 3-5 days for repeat radiographs and will likely need a more pronlonged immobilization course with splinting for 2-3 weeks and a hinged splint for up to 4 weeks (Ahmed 2015)
• Complex Dislocations:
  • Most will need operative management, however, reduction and splinting may be definitive management for patients with minimally or non-displaced radial head fracture
  • Patients who elect for non-op management must be made aware of potential for instability of joint and future restriction of range of motion

Prognosis:

• Recurrent dislocations are uncommon (incidence is increased when terrible triad is present)
• Stiffness of joint is common
• Immobilization should not exceed 2 weeks
• Volkmann contracture (claw hand): Can develop in the pressence of massive soft tissue swelling. Consider checking compartment pressures

Take Home Points:

• Three complications of elbow dislocations that must be appreciated and require operative management: neurovascular compromise, associated fractures, open fractures
• Simple, uncomplicated dislocations can be treated with closed reduction, splinting and orthopedic follow up in 1-2 weeks

References:

Ahmed I, Mistry J. The Management of acute and chronic elbow instability. Orthop Clin North Am. 2015 Apr;46(2):271-80. PMID: 25771321

Aiyer A, Moore D. Elbow Dislocation. (2015, May 22) [Ortho Bullets] Retrieved from: http://www.orthobullets.com/trauma/1018/elbow-dislocation.

Egol K et al. Handbook of Fractures. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health, 2010.

Iordens GI. et al. Early mobilisation versus plaster immobilisation of simple elbow dislocations: results of the FuncSiE multicentre randomised clinical trial. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Jul 14. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 26175020

Kuhn MA, Ross G. Acute elbow dislocations. Orthop Clin North Am 2008; 39: pp. 155-161. PMID: 18374806

Mehlhoff TL et al. Simple dislocation of the elbow in the adult: Results after closed treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1988 Feb;70(2):244-9.PMID: 3343270

Najarian, Sandra L. Chapter 171. Forearm and Elbow Injuries. In: Tintinalli JE, Stapczynski J, Ma O, Cline DM, Cydulka RK, Meckler GD, T. eds. Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, 7e. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2011

Dislocations in the elbow joint – symptoms of trauma, first aid and treatment, rehabilitation – Department of Traumatology NCC No. 2 (CCH RAS)

Dislocations of the joints are a fairly common injury that many have encountered. Elbow dislocation is one of the top three injuries of the upper extremities of this type in terms of frequency of occurrence. The elbow joint is formed by three articular surfaces: the humerus, ulna and radius. Elbow dislocation is an injury that results in displacement of the articular surfaces of the radius and ulna (forearm) relative to the humerus.

Main causes of elbow dislocations

The causes of occurrence are:

• the result of a fall on an outstretched arm, forward or backward (posterior dislocation, most common). Falling onto a bent elbow is much less common (anterior dislocation)
• direct blow to the joint area
• accidental stretching (in children under three)

Signs of dislocation

• acute pain in the elbow
• restriction of any movements (if you want to move your arm, there is a sharp pain)
• appearance of swelling in the area of ​​the elbow joint
• numbness and loss of sensation in the affected arm
• fever or chills
• rapid rise in temperature

Diagnosis of this injury

In case of dislocation, it is necessary to urgently consult a traumatologist. Diagnostics provides for a preliminary examination of the victim and the appointment of a set of studies, namely:

• radiography (based on the x-ray of the joint, the degree of its damage, the likelihood of bone displacement, the presence of damage to soft tissues, muscles or nerve endings)
• arteriogram (X-ray examination of blood vessels or ultrasound)
• neurological consultation (if arm is still)
• pulsometry

Specialists to contact

• Orthopedic traumatologist
• Surgeon
• Neurologist

Treatment

The main methods of treatment of an injured elbow joint:

• Reduction of a dislocation by a traumatologist in the traumatology department (under general anesthesia or local anesthesia)
• Application of a plaster splint (after reduction of dislocation) on the area from a third of the shoulder to the protruding heads of the metacarpal bones, with fixation for a period of 7-10 days
• Ligaments, arteries, or nerves may require surgery if injured

Rehabilitation after dislocation of the elbow joint

After the undertaken treatment, a long period of restoration of the full working capacity of the elbow begins. To do this, use the following methods:

• Therapeutic gymnastics (exercise therapy) – a set of physical exercises to restore joint mobility
• Physiotherapy (various types of heating, etc.)
• Swimming (given four weeks after the removal of the cast, greatly accelerates the development of the joints)
• Massage (to increase blood flow to the damaged joint, the massage option is selected by the doctor)
• Compresses, ointments (to supply the tissues of the joint with the necessary beneficial substances)
• Vitamin therapy

Support bandages must be worn during rehabilitation.

An unfavorable consequence in complicated dislocations may be stiffness or contracture of the joints (limitation of mobility in the joint). Therefore, the recovery period may be delayed for a longer period. In general, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.

Treatment. Elbow joint. Dislocations company blog

Description of the disease, symptoms and causes, methods of treatment.

Dislocation of the elbow joint is the displacement of the two main bones of the forearm from the place of their articulation with the humerus. Other indicated bones can also come out of the joint in relation to each other. Often, dislocation of the elbow joint is commonly referred to as dislocation of the elbow, which, as practice shows, is the same name.

Causes

Most often, dislocations in traumatology are the causes of injuries that occurred in transport, at home and in other places. Less often, the doctor deals with the so-called habitual dislocation, when the force of the traumatic agent is small or may be completely absent, but the two bones are unevenly located in relation to the articular surface, which indicates the weakness of the ligamentous apparatus of the joint. The usual dislocation of the elbow joint is not excluded, which also occurs against the background of weakness of the ligaments due to inflammatory processes, preceding a long time of untreated dislocations, stretching the indicated anatomical formations, etc. Based on biomechanics, dislocation of the elbow can happen with a high degree of probability when a person falls on an outstretched hand, and not when hit in the joint area.

Symptoms

Dislocation of the elbow joint has fairly typical signs, confirmed by the methods of instrumental diagnostics. First of all, the patient is worried about pain, which does not subside and is intense. From the moment the force is applied, it does not become smaller, which distinguishes it from the pain of a bruise, hemarthrosis and many other pathological conditions in traumatology. Swelling of the elbow joint immediately joins. Elbow dislocation in the first hours never provokes an increase in local temperature, as well as redness, which should prompt the doctor to look for other diseases or existing comorbidities in the patient.

Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure, namely the proximity of the passage of the neurovascular bundle, there are clinical situations when, due to dislocation, it is also injured. In this case, there may be no or weakened pulsation of the radial and ulnar arteries, which means a violation or complete cessation of blood flow through them. In this case, urgent hospitalization is indicated with a possible surgical operation. Of course, in this case, the treatment of dislocation of the elbow is only surgical, according to vital indications. If the nerve is affected, then the pain becomes intense, can radiate to different parts of the shoulder.

Diagnosis of dislocation of the elbow joint, as already mentioned, is simple. Thanks to the available visual examination, experienced traumatologists have no doubts about the diagnosis. However, in order for the treatment of dislocation of the elbow to take place without hidden nuances, a control radiographic image is taken. Often, in addition to dislocation, there is also a fracture with displacement of bone fragments, etc.

First Aid

When fighting after an injury, ice must be applied. Next, you should check for nerve damage: check the pulse. To do this, alternately press on the nails on the hands. If the condition is normal, they will brighten, and after a couple of seconds they will return to their pinkish hue. It is also necessary to check the work of the nerves. To check the radial nerve, bend the hand at the joint. To test the ulnar nerve, spread your fingers apart. To test the medial nerve, bring your little finger and thumb together. Check skin sensitivity. To do this, touch the area from the hand to the elbow.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the doctor prescribes conservative or surgical treatment for the dislocation of the elbow joint.

Conservative method

Treatment of a dislocated elbow is a rather complicated process. After examinations, the doctor prescribes certain procedures. For starters, this is relocation, that is, reduction. The diseased joint returns to its usual place. Before starting this process, an anesthetic drug is administered to reduce pain. Anesthesia in traumatology implies not only the creation of comfortable conditions for the patient, but also quiet work for the surgeon. The patient’s muscles relax when the required pain relief threshold is reached, which makes the reduction procedure easy and effective. Treatment of dislocation of the elbow joint always requires certain conditions and an individual approach to the patient; features of the mental status sometimes require a careful conversation with the patient.

Reduction technique depends on the type of dislocation:

The posterior dislocation is reduced by the flexion method (the joint is stretched and then bent) or the “over-bending” method (the injured joint is bent even more).
Anterior dislocation is reduced with maximum flexion and simultaneous posterior displacement of the joint.

After that, the damaged joint is fixed to exclude the possibility of movements in it (a tight bandage or plaster is applied.
Further, the conservative technique includes: various types of warm-ups, physiotherapy, massage using various devices, including various types: direct and indirect.