Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsResetting a Dislocated ElbowTwo Types of DislocationsNonsurgical TreatmentSurgical TreatmentPost-Treatment RecoveryResuming Normal Activity
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Resetting a Dislocated Elbow
Two Types of Dislocations
Nonsurgical Treatment
Surgical Treatment
Post-Treatment Recovery
Resuming Normal Activity
A dislocated elbow occurs when the elbow bones no longer connect. It is a common injury in adults and children and often happens in tandem with bone fractures (breaks) and additional nerve and tissue damage. Falling onto an outstretched hand is the most common cause of this type of injury.
This article discusses the diagnosis process, treatment options, and potential recovery time for a dislocated elbow.
Zorica Nastasic / Getty Images
Dislocated Elbow Injury: When Can You Get Back to Normal?
The elbow is made up of a hinge joint and a ball-and-socket joint, enabling these two unique motions:
A dislocated elbow can damage any bones, muscles, ligaments, and tissues that enable the elbow to perform these functions.The longer the elbow remains out of the joint, the more damage can occur.
When you see a healthcare provider, they will work to restore the joint and ensure proper alignment. Before doing so, they’ll likely do a physical examination to assess blood flow and look for any nerve damage. Some providers will order an X-ray to visualize the dislocation and identify broken bones.
Human Joints Explained
The Two Types of Dislocated Elbows
The two types of elbow dislocations are:
X-rays are helpful to determine the type of dislocation and to identify any broken bones.Depending on the injury, a healthcare provider might order acomputed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)to ensure there is no damage to nerves or ligaments.
Signs and Symptoms of Dislocated ElbowA dislocated elbow usually occurs with trauma.General signs and symptoms of a dislocated elbow include:Significant pain in the elbow areaObvious deformity around the elbow jointInability to move the elbowBruising and swelling around the elbowNumbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand (indicative of nerve damage)
Signs and Symptoms of Dislocated Elbow
A dislocated elbow usually occurs with trauma.General signs and symptoms of a dislocated elbow include:Significant pain in the elbow areaObvious deformity around the elbow jointInability to move the elbowBruising and swelling around the elbowNumbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand (indicative of nerve damage)
A dislocated elbow usually occurs with trauma.General signs and symptoms of a dislocated elbow include:
What Is an X-Ray?
Dislocated Elbow Treatment Without Surgery
Healthcare providers prefer to treat a dislocated elbow using what’s known as a closed reduction technique.A closed reduction means that the elbow can be relocated without surgical incisions.
Before the closed reduction procedure, a healthcare provider will administer medications to help relax you and address the pain from the injury.
Once the elbow is relocated into the correct spot, a healthcare provider applies a splint (the most common is a posterior long arm splint) to keep the elbow in place.The goal is to prevent elbow extension, which can cause it to dislocate again. The elbow is usually splinted at a 90-degree angle of flexion.
The splint remains in place for one to three weeks.A physical therapist may assess your range of motion and prescribe exercises to help prevent elbow range of motion loss.
Dislocated Elbow Treatment With Surgery
Depending on the severity of your dislocation and the success of the closed reduction, you may need surgery.If any of the following are true for you, a healthcare provider may recommend surgery:
Complex elbow dislocations can make it challenging to maintain joint alignment. In these cases, a healthcare provider may recommend an assistive device, such as an external hinge, to help prevent repeat dislocations.
It is essential to follow up with healthcare providers regularly after surgery. Most surgeons will recommend physical therapy after surgery to assist with early range-of-motion exercises to support the recovery process.
Physical Therapy After an Elbow Fracture
Recovery Time After Initiating Treatment
Recovery time after an elbow dislocation can vary.The total time depends on the stability of the elbow after closed reduction or surgery.
Most healthcare providers will encourage you to initiate active motion exercises to regain as much range of motion as possible.Limiting how long your joint is immobilized will help prevent stiffness in the joint, scarring, and inhibited range of motion. Generally, healthcare providers don’t recommend immobilization for more than a few weeks.
When to Resume Normal Activity
Resuming regular activity often depends on the type of treatment for the elbow dislocation:
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine when it’s safe for you to resume normal activity.
4 Elbow Range of Motion Exercises
Summary
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Elbow dislocation.American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Elbow dislocation.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow dislocation.Radiopaedia.Elbow dislocation.Medline Plus.Closed reduction of a fractured bone.Ortho Bullets.Elbow dislocation.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Elbow dislocation.American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Elbow dislocation.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow dislocation.Radiopaedia.Elbow dislocation.Medline Plus.Closed reduction of a fractured bone.Ortho Bullets.Elbow dislocation.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Elbow dislocation.American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Elbow dislocation.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow dislocation.Radiopaedia.Elbow dislocation.Medline Plus.Closed reduction of a fractured bone.Ortho Bullets.Elbow dislocation.
National Library of Medicine.Elbow dislocation.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Elbow dislocation.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Elbow dislocation.
Radiopaedia.Elbow dislocation.
Medline Plus.Closed reduction of a fractured bone.
Ortho Bullets.Elbow dislocation.
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