Elbow dislocation

Synonyms for elbow dislocation

• Elbow dislocation

What is an elbow dislocation?

An elbow dislocation occurs when one of the forearm bones (the ulna or radius) comes out of the joint following trauma to the arm. It's commonly referred to as the elbow 'popping out'. If the elbow partially dislocates, it's called a subluxation. If the elbow completely dislocates, it's a complete dislocation.

In most cases, it is the ulna bone that dislocates at the elbow.

What are the causes of an elbow dislocation?

Elbow dislocation is caused by trauma to the elbow. This trauma can be:

• A fall on an outstretched hand (the most frequent mechanism)
• Fall on the elbow or arm
• A direct impact to the elbow (checking in hockey, tackling in football)
• An extreme twisting motion of the elbow (the arm gets caught, and the body continues to move forward)
• Significant traction on the arm (for example, a parent pulling a child by the arm. Unfortunately, this is a frequent cause of elbow dislocations in children)

"So, if the pain appeared slowly and gradually, without any clear accident, it is probably not a dislocation."

What are the symptoms of an elbow dislocation?

The main symptoms are:

• Elbow pain that appears quickly after the trauma and an inability to move the arm as usual
• Feeling that the elbow has « popped out »
• Deformation of the elbow compared to the other one

There may or may not be swelling and bruising.

What are the serious symptoms to watch out for with an elbow dislocation?

The presence of certain signs and symptoms should prompt you to seek prompt medical attention at the emergency room. These include:

• Numbness in the arm or hand that persists or worsens
• A loss of sensation in the arm or hand that persists or worsens
• The appearance of coldness or discoloration of the hand or fingers (lack of blood circulation)
• An inability to move the hand and fingers that does not improve

How is an elbow dislocation diagnosed?

Diagnosis is possible with a review of the symptom history, a clinical examination, and an X-ray of the elbow.

« You should always see a doctor first if you have dislocated your elbow to get an X-ray and make sure there is no fracture along with the dislocation. »

When to consult in physiotherapy for an elbow dislocation?

Your doctor should refer you to a physiotherapist after establishing the treatment plan for the dislocation.

Here are some guidelines for when to see a physiotherapist.

• If the treatment plan does not require wearing a cast or splint, start your physiotherapy immediately.
• If you need to wear a cast or splint and you have pain while wearing it, consult a physiotherapist.
• If you are wearing a cast or splint and you have no pain, wait until the cast or splint is removed and then start physiotherapy immediately.

« If you are unsure what to do, you can consult a physiotherapist who will guide you in the right direction. If they feel that a consultation with a doctor is necessary, they will tell you. »

What are the physiotherapy treatments for an elbow dislocation?

Your physiotherapist will perform an assessment to determine your limitations by evaluating the following elements:

• Your joint mobility
• The gliding of your nerves
• The quality of your movements
• Your strength and stability

Based on the assessment results, your physiotherapist will:

• Will mobilize your elbow to reduce pain and improve your movement.
• Will give you specific exercises to re-educate:
  
  • Controlling elbow movements
  • Elbow stability and strength
  • Elbow mobility
• Will give you exercises to reduce pain
• Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing
• Give you advice for your posture and movements.

What to do at home for an elbow dislocation?

While waiting to see a doctor or your physiotherapist, immobilize your arm against your body with your hand on your stomach using a splint or triangular bandage (you can find this type of bandage at the pharmacy). Follow the doctor's instructions carefully so that the fracture heals well while waiting to start physiotherapy.

Here are some other tips that may help at home:

• Support your arm with a cushion under your armpit, an armrest, or by putting your hand in your pants pocket to elevate your shoulder.
• If you have pain at night or morning stiffness, make sure your neck is well supported while sleeping with a pillow that fills the hollow of your neck. Avoid sleeping with your arm behind your head or under the pillow. Keep your arm along your body or supported with a pillow.
• Avoid sleeping on the affected side.

Did you know?

• The elbow is the second most frequently dislocated joint after the shoulder.
• Almost half of elbow dislocations occur between the ages of 10 and 19.
• In young people, the elbow is the most frequently dislocated joint.
• Elbow dislocation is more common in boys than girls. Between the ages of 10 and 19, boys are twice as likely to dislocate their elbows as girls.
• The older you get, the less likely you are to have an elbow dislocation.
• Sports with the highest rates of elbow dislocation include football, roller skating, skateboarding, and wrestling.

Sources

Layson, J., & Best, B. J. (2019). Elbow Dislocation.

Dubois B, Esculier JF. Soft-tissue injuries simply need PEACE and LOVE