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Dislocated elbow happens when any of the bones (ulna, radius, and humerus) of the elbow joint separated or displaced from its natural position or can be caused by trauma from a car accident or a sports injury. Sometimes, overuse or repetitive motions can relax the tendons and ligaments that serve to stabilize the elbow joints, which can result in instability and dislocation of the elbow.
The elbow can become unstable and occasionally immobile due to dislocation, which can be painful. The elbow’s ligaments are harmed by dislocation, which may also harm the nearby tendons, muscles, and nerves.
According to the extent of the damage and the location, elbow dislocations are categorized in 3 types that consist of:
- Simple: No serious injury or damage to the bone.
- Complex: Severe bone and ligament injuries or damage.
- Severe: The blood vessels and nerves around the elbow have been damaged.
Symptoms
According to the extent of the injury and the bones involved, the signs and symptoms of a dislocated elbow vary. These include the following:
- Deformity
- Elbow Pain
- Swelling, bruising, or inflammation
- Inability to move the elbow
- Weakness in the joint
If a patient suspects an elbow dislocation, they should seek immediate medical attention. The possibility of permanent harm is decreased with treatment.
Causes
The majority of elbow dislocations happen when someone breaks a fall with an outstretched hand. There are several reasons why an elbow may become dislocated.
- Trauma: People who extend out to brace themselves against impact during a vehicle accident may dislocate their elbows. Sports-related injuries can also result in dislocations of the elbow. Overusing the elbow could also cause dislocation.
- Other diseases: Dislocations can occasionally be caused by a joint condition like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Joints are unusually flexible and loose due to Ehlers-Danlos.
Risk factors
Dislocated elbow is more likely to occur in the following:
- Age: Elderly people who are prone to falls, usually at age 65 and above.
- Sports: Overtraining in sports, especially throwing-related events.
- Other diseases: Have inherited joint conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Diagnosis
An orthopedic specialist (healthcare provider that specialize in bone) will assess the elbow, talk about any prior injuries, obtain a full medical history, and order additional tests to evaluate the severity of the disease in order to diagnose an elbow dislocation.
Imaging tests: These are performed to check for any additional underlying fractures or ligament and tendon injury. Patient may undergo CT scan, MRI, musculoskeletal ultrasound, or X-ray.
The specialists are carefully evaluating images and interpreting imaging technologies, which provides an exact diagnosis that results in the best treatment options.
Treatment
Some dislocated elbows return to their usual position on their own. More severe cases need a doctor to return the bones to their proper position.
Treatment options include a combination of non-invasive therapies and, if necessary, surgery.
The severity of the damage determines the type of treatment for a dislocated elbow. In order to manage symptoms such as pain and swelling, do as followings:
- Rest
- Cold compress to the affected area
- Keep the elbow elevated
The following are some elbow dislocation treatments:
- Manipulation: Joint reduction is performed to reposition the joints to its normal position.
- Medication: Over-the-counter medicine is prescribed to reduce the pain.
- Rest: Patient might need to maintain the joint’s immobility and protect it after it has been put back in place. The use of a sling can help the joint heal.
- Physical therapy: The muscles and tendons of the elbow may need to be strengthened through training in order to maintain it once it has healed.
- Surgery: Surgery for elbow dislocation is performed to treat severe dislocations that could also have complicated injuries such bone fractures and torn ligaments and tendons.
Simple dislocations can usually be fixed without surgery during an emergency room visit. However, if a fracture and torn tissues are present, surgery will probably be necessary to fix the injury and lessen the likelihood of elbow instability.
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- Arthroscopic technique: Surgeon will do arthroscopic surgery by making a tiny incision in the elbow and inserting a very thin, flexible tube with a tiny light and camera at the end. The structures inside the elbow are enlarged and illuminated using the arthroscope. Arthroscopic surgical methods are less painful and quicker healing.
- Ligament and tendon reconstruction and repair: When the elbow dislocates, tendons and ligaments may be torn. To restore the elbow’s strength and functionality following a dislocation, surgeons undertake ligament and tendon restoration and repair. Future elbow dislocations can be prevented by strengthening and repairing the tendons and ligaments in the elbow.
