Elbow Dislocation

What is an Elbow Dislocation?

Dislocating the elbow often arises from trauma, like falling onto an extended arm and hand. The impact felt pushes the elbow out of its socket and a fracture or dislocation follows.

Elbow dislocations are elbow injuries which can be classified as complete or partial dislocations depending on the severity of the injury. Sporting activities such as gymnastics or skateboarding are associated with having a dislocated elbow.

It usually occurs after a trauma, such as a fall, motor vehicle collision, or other accident.

What are the symptoms of an Elbow Dislocation?

A complete elbow dislocation is extremely painful and the arm will look deformed and may have an odd twist at the elbow. Other symptoms of Elbow Dislocation include:

• Swelling, bruising
• Dimples on the skin over the dislocation
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in forearm, wrist, and hand from nerve damage
• Lack of pulse in the wrist from damaged arteries and nerves along the elbow
• Pain when moving the elbow

What to do while waiting for medical attention?

Do seek medical attention as soon as possible for a elbow that appears dislocated. While waiting for medical attention, you can do the following:

• Do not move the joint: Try to splint or sling the shoulder joint and avoid moving the shoulder or forcing the joint back in. This could damage the shoulder joint and its surrounding muscles, blood vessels and nerves.
• Ice the injured joint: Apply ice wrapped in cloth to the shoulder to reduce pain and swelling.

How is an Elbow Dislocation diagnosed?

A doctor’s examination will check for pain on passive elbow movement for extension and supination in addition to tracing the injury history. An X-ray is used for determining a dislocation or fracture. Other imaging tools can be used for assessing possible damage to the joint cartilage, bone, ligaments, and other soft tissue.