Elbow dislocation

The elbow is formed by three bones: the humerus, radius and ulna. When a displacement occurs at their junction, it is a dislocation.

Types and causes of dislocation of the elbow:

• when a person falls back and leans on a straight arm – this is a posterior dislocation and it occurs more often than others;
• when falling forward on a straight arm, an anterior dislocation is obtained, a rarer occurrence;
• if you hit directly on the elbow or hit it against something;
• accidental dislocation, such as when the arm is pulled hard – this happens with young children under 3 years old.

Elbow dislocation is complete – in this case, the bones are not in contact with each other, and incomplete (subluxation), when they are partially in contact.

Symptoms of a dislocated elbow

Dislocation can be determined immediately – he has very vivid symptoms:

• acute pain at the site of dislocation;
• inability to move your hand – the pain becomes even stronger;
• swelling in the elbow area;
• the hand goes numb;
• temperature rises rapidly, there may be fever or chills.

Treatment of dislocation of the elbow joint

A traumatologist should correct a dislocation of the elbow, because this injury has serious complications – fractures of one or more bones, damage to the median and ulnar nerve, and brachial artery. In these cases, you will need the help of other specialists. It is visually difficult to understand if there are complications, since the elbow joint swells strongly during dislocation.

Diagnostics

Dislocation of the elbow joint can be determined visually – the forearm is usually put shorter, and the elbow sticks out sharply. But since there may be complications that are not visible due to edema, additional diagnostics may be prescribed by the doctor:

• x-ray – it will show the degree of damage to the joint, will make it clear whether the muscles and nerves are damaged;
• vascular research;
• pulsometry – will show if blood circulation is disturbed;
• consultation of a neurologist – in the case when the hand is motionless and there is a suspicion that the nerve endings are damaged.

Modern treatments

A dislocated elbow is reduced either under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the severity. As a rule, the arm is simply slowly extended until the joint is in place.

When the dislocation is reduced, they check how stable the joint works – it is completely flexed and unbent, and the doctor looks to see if it moves easily.

If everything is fine, the joint is immobilized – a splint is applied, which must be worn for 7-10 days. During this time, the pain will pass and the swelling will subside. And after another 2-3 weeks you will have to walk with a special bandage.

When the dislocations are complex, nerve endings, ligaments or arteries are damaged, surgery may be needed.

Rehabilitation after dislocation of the elbow joint

Treatment of dislocation is quite long, but rehabilitation lasts even longer. It usually includes:

• Exercise therapy – a set of exercises that will help restore joint mobility and strengthen muscles;
• physiotherapy – warming up;
• swimming, which is prescribed in a month, when the bandage is removed – it helps to develop the joint;
• massage – it helps to improve blood flow at the site of dislocation;
• vitamins.

Prevention of dislocation of the elbow joint

Take precautions when doing physical work and playing sports. In winter, wear stable, non-slip shoes – a dislocated elbow often occurs when a person falls on a straight, unbent arm.

Popular questions and answers

What to do with a dislocation and what can it threaten? We asked these questions to be answered traumatologist-orthopedic doctor Valentyn Panov.