Elbow dislocation is a traumatic injury where the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) become displaced from the humerus. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and inability to move the elbow joint. Dislocations can damage surrounding ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Prompt medical attention is crucial to realign the bones and prevent complications like nerve damage or impaired joint function. Treatment involves the relocation of the joint under anaesthesia, followed by immobilisation with a splint or brace. Physical therapy aids in rehabilitation to restore strength and range of motion to the affected arm.

Symptoms of Dislocated Elbow

Acute Pain: Immediate and severe pain centred around the elbow joint. Movement or pressure on the area can further exacerbate it.

Swelling and Bruising: Rapid onset of swelling and bruising due to trauma. The patient can notice visible swelling and discolouration around the elbow.
Visible Deformity: Obvious misalignment or displacement of the elbow joint and visual indication of dislocation, such as an abnormal shape.
Limited Range of Motion: The patient may experience difficulty or inability to bend or straighten the arm at the elbow, feeling instability or looseness in the joint.
Nerve and Vascular Symptoms. Tingling, numbness, or weakness radiating down the arm or into the fingers. Reduced blood flow leads to coolness or paleness in the forearm and hand.
Audible Popping or Snapping. Some individuals may hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury.

Recognising these symptoms is crucial for promptly diagnosing and treating a dislocated elbow. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential to prevent further complications and facilitate proper healing.

Treatment of Dislocated Elbow

Immediate Care: Upon diagnosis of a dislocated elbow, immediate action is taken to reduce the dislocation. It often involves administering pain medication and providing sedation or anaesthesia to relax the muscles around the joint. The physician then manipulates the elbow back into its correct position through closed reduction.

Immobilisation: Following successful reduction, the elbow is immobilised to allow for healing. This typically involves the application of a splint or sling to keep the elbow in a stable position. Immobilisation helps prevent further displacement of the joint and allows the surrounding tissues to heal.

Rehabilitation: Once the acute phase has passed, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring function and strength to the affected elbow. Physical therapy exercises are prescribed to improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength. Rehabilitation may also include activities to enhance proprioception and joint stability.

Medication and Pain Management: Pain medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.

In some cases, muscle relaxants or stronger pain relievers may be necessary, particularly during the initial stages of treatment.

Surgical Intervention: In cases with associated fractures, severe ligamentous damage, or recurrent dislocations, surgical intervention may be required. Surgery aims to repair damaged structures, stabilise the joint, and restore normal function. Surgical options may include open reduction, internal fixation, or ligament reconstruction procedures.

Follow-up and Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the progress of healing and assess the function of the elbow joint. X-rays may be performed periodically to ensure proper alignment and detect complications like joint stiffness or instability.

Conclusion

Treating a dislocated elbow involves a multidisciplinary approach to reduce the dislocation, stabilise the joint, and promote rehabilitation. Early intervention and comprehensive care are essential to minimise complications and optimise long-term patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the common causes of a dislocated elbow?
A. Dislocated elbows typically result from trauma, such as falls onto an outstretched hand or direct impact to the elbow during sports activities or accidents. These actions can force the forearm bones out of alignment with the humerus, causing dislocation.

Q. How can I tell if my elbow is dislocated or just sprained?
A. While both injuries can cause pain and limited mobility, a dislocated elbow often presents with a visibly misaligned joint, severe pain, and an inability to move the arm. In contrast, a sprained elbow may exhibit swelling, tenderness, and bruising but usually does not involve a joint being out of place.

Q. What should I do if I suspect I have dislocated my elbow?
A. If you suspect a dislocated elbow, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid manipulating the joint back into place, as this can cause further damage. Apply ice to reduce swelling and immobilise the arm with a splint or sling until medical help arrives.

Q. How is a dislocated elbow treated?
A. Treatment typically involves reducing the dislocation through closed reduction, followed by immobilising the joint with a splint or sling. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and mobility to the affected arm. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases or when associated injuries are present.

Q. What complications can occur after a dislocated elbow?
A. Complications may include nerve or blood vessel damage, recurrent dislocations, joint stiffness, and chronic pain. Timely and appropriate treatment can help minimise these risks, but long-term follow-up may be needed to monitor for any lingering issues.

References

https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/orthopaedics/elbow-pain/elbow-dislocation-diagnosis-and-treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17942-dislocated-elbow