Elbow Dislocation
An elbow becomes dislocated when the bones of the forearm (the ulna and radius) are forcibly moved out of place in relation to the bone of the upper arm (the humerus). The elbow joint, formed at the juncture where these three bones meet, then is termed dislocated or simply out of joint. This often results in tearing of the ligaments of the elbow but does not often result in recurrent dislocations.
Significant and serious injuries that can occur are damage in the arm itself (the various vessels that carry blood to the hand), fractures (the breaking of the bones in the arm), and injuries to the nerves that extend through the elbow area, thus impairing movement and the feeling in both arm and hand.
Treatment
The physician will reduce (put back in place) the patient’s elbow by pulling down on the wrist and levering the elbow back into its proper place. This procedure is extremely painful, so powerful pain medications may be given before reduction.
After the patient’s elbow is back in place, the physician will obtain X-rays and then put the patient in a splint that will keep the elbow bent. The splint will be made of fiberglass or plaster and will create an “L” shape around the back of the elbow. The purpose of the splint is to help prevent movement of the arm at the elbow. In addition, the arm will be placed in a sling to help support the splint. If the elbow remains unstable, surgery must then be performed. |
