Elbow dislocation occurs when the humerus, ulna and radius (the elbow bones) move out of place where they meet at the elbow joint.
This usually occurs when an individual breaks a fall with an outstretched hand while the arm is held straight. Elbow dislocation can also occur through trauma from a car accident or sports injury. In some cases, overuse or repetitive activities can loosen connective tissues (such as tendons and ligaments) that normally keep the elbow joints stable, leading to possible elbow instability and dislocation.
Meet the team of experts who specialize in elbow dislocation treatment
Symptoms of Elbow Dislocation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a Penn orthopaedic specialist to determine if you have dislocated your elbow:
- Deformity
- Elbow instability (a feeling that the elbow is slipping out of joint)
- Elbow pain, especially at the joint
- Inability to move your elbow
- Numbness and tingling
- Swelling, bruising and inflammation
Diagnosing a Dislocated Elbow
To diagnose an elbow dislocation, an orthopaedic specialist will examine your elbow, discuss any past injuries and take a complete medical history. In most cases, further imaging tests are required to test for other accompanying fractures or damage to ligaments and tendons. These imaging tests include:
- CT scan
- MRI
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- X-ray
Our musculoskeletal radiologists are experts in interpreting advanced imaging technology and carefully reviewing scans. This allows for an accurate diagnosis that leads to optimal treatment plans. Treatment options may include a combination of non-invasive therapies and, if necessary, surgery.
Treatment Options for a Dislocated Elbow
In many elbow dislocation cases, the bones in the elbow can be realigned and put back into place without surgery. Your doctor will likely recommend nonsurgical techniques to treat symptoms such as pain and swelling.
Noninvasive therapy to treat elbow dislocation includes:
- Activity modification/immobilization with a splint
- Icing or applying heat to the elbow joint
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medication
- Strengthening exercises/physical therapy
If your elbow dislocation is a complete dislocation or is accompanied by bone fractures and torn ligaments and tendons, surgery may be required. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your surgical options with you.
Elbow Dislocation Surgery
Elbow dislocation surgery is used to repair a severe dislocation that may be accompanied by other complex injuries such as bone fractures and torn ligaments and tendons. Simple dislocations do not require surgery and are usually easily repaired during an emergency room visit. But when a fracture and torn tissues are present, you will likely need surgery to repair the damage and to reduce the chance of elbow instability.
Our orthopaedic specialists/surgeons are highly experienced in performing complex surgical treatments for multiple injuries of the elbow. We are experts in repairing and replacing damaged soft tissues with acellular dermal grafts and patches, as well as autografs. Our orthopaedic surgeons perform very high volumes of specialized surgical techniques, which restores elbow function and strength, and reduces pain.
Surgeries we perform for elbow dislocation include:
Advanced Arthroscopic Techniques
During arthroscopic surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will make a small incision in your elbow and insert a very thin, flexible tube with a tiny light and camera at the end. This instrument is called an arthroscope. The arthroscope magnifies and illuminates the structures within the elbow. Arthroscopic surgical techniques allow for quicker recovery times and less pain.
Ligament and Tendon Reconstruction and Repair
Torn tendons and ligaments can occur as a result of your elbow dislocation. Our orthopaedic surgeons perform ligament and tendon reconstruction and repair that is critical to improving the strength and function of the elbow after a dislocation. Strengthening and repairing the elbow tendons and ligaments also reduces the risk of future dislocations.
Elbow Dislocation Surgery Recovery
After elbow dislocation surgery, your arm will be placed in a sling for up to four to six weeks. Conservative therapies such as anti-inflammatory medications, icing and elevation will be recommended to help reduce pain and swelling. Your surgeon and pain management specialist will work with you to begin rehabilitation to restore mobility and function when you are ready. Our advanced pain management program effectively treats pain so that you are less dependent on or do not require narcotics. Decreasing pain makes recovery much easier and allows for greater function after surgery.
Personalized Rehabilitation Program for Elbow Dislocation
Recovering from elbow dislocation surgery will be different for everyone and will depend on your condition and the type of surgery you had. Your orthopaedic team will create a rehabilitation and recovery program that addresses all of your individual needs and goals for recovery. Penn physical therapists, orthopaedic specialists and pain management specialists work together to develop a customized rehabilitation plan that restores function and strength and eliminates elbow pain. Our physical therapists work one-on-one with patients, reinforcing the concept that movement is important to get them functioning and to help relieve symptoms.