Dislocated Elbow

What is a dislocated elbow?

When an elbow is dislocated, the bones that form the elbow joint are displaced from their normal position.

How does it occur?

This is an injury that usually occurs in a fall, when your arm is outstretched and your hand is extended to break your fall. Often one or more bones are broken as well.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

• swelling
• pain
• bruising
• deformed appearance of the elbow
• limited movement or inability to move the elbow.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will review your symptoms, examine you, and take x-rays. He or she will test your ability to move your hand. The doctor will check for damage to your blood vessels and nerves by taking your pulse and testing sensation in the fingers and hand.

How is it treated?

Your health care provider will put the bones back in their natural position. You may need to have a local or general anesthetic when this is done. Your provider will gently pull apart the injured parts that have been pushed together. A splint or cast will hold the bones in their natural position. A splint is a hard bandage that prevents a joint from moving while it heals. A sling will be used to keep your arm positioned at your side.

Your provider will probably prescribe a pain reliever and a muscle relaxant. You may also need to do range-of-motion exercises when the splint is removed. Range-of-motion exercises of other joints (wrist, fingers, shoulders) are also important to prevent stiffness.

How long will the effects last?

Elbow dislocations are serious injuries that take at least 4 to 6 weeks for recovery. Most elbow dislocations are treated with a splint for 5 to 7 days, followed by range-of-motion exercises. For more severe injuries, your doctor may keep you in the splint for a couple of weeks.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the instructions the doctor gives you. These instructions may include:

• keeping your elbow elevated with pillows whenever possible, to reduce swelling
• putting an ice pack on your elbow for 20 minutes three or four times a day
• doing the recommended exercises.

How can I help prevent a dislocated elbow?

Many accidents cannot be easily prevented. Try to avoid operating mechanical equipment when you are rushed or tired. Be safety conscious when you participate in sports and activities.