Elbow Dislocation

About The Elbow

The elbow is complex joint that is held together by strong ligaments.

The Injury

As a result of a traumatic event the ligaments can be torn and the elbow joint can become dislocated. This injury pattern is initially treated with a reduction of the elbow joint typically in the emergency room setting with application of a splint. If the reduction is adequate and the joint is relatively stable with motion and nonsurgical approach can be employed wherebye the ligaments can be allowed to heal in a brace and elbow motion can be introduced in a progressive fashion. In some cases an adequate reduction cannot be achieved or the reduction may be unstable. This can occur for a variety of reasons including associated fractures. In these cases the recommended treatment is a surgical repair.

The Procedure

At Regional Orthopedics this injury pattern is treated utilizing necessary repair options including fracture repair, ligament repair or reconstruction, hinged articulating external fixation devices. The goal of treatment is to restore elbow stability and range of motion.