Treating Dislocated Elbow - With Its Causes & Symptoms

The Anatomy Of Elbow:

The elbow is a synovial joint that holds the bottom of the humerus bone and the head of the radius and ulna bones in two types of structures, i.e., a ball-socket junction and a hinged junction. Each of these bones has a distinct shape and forms a couple joint with the other two bones.

The ball-socket junction allows the elbow to rotate along the humerus bone axis with the palm faced up and down, known as supination and pronation, while the hinge junction enables the arm to bend and extend at the elbow allowing flexion and extension movements.

Various types of ligaments and tendons surround the elbow joint to hold the bones in place and contract or relax according to the pressure exerted on the joint.

What Is A Dislocated Elbow?

Since the bones are only held together by ligaments and aren’t hooked or fixed to each other, there are chances of them moving out of their joint position under extreme force. And when any of the three bones move out of their joint, the elbow is considered dislocated. This dislocation can be partial, where a bone is still in contact with the joint but is slightly out of position, while the bones and surrounding soft tissues remain unharmed. Such partial dislocations are also termed as subluxations.

However, if a bone has entirely moved out of its original position, it is a complete dislocation that requires immediate medical assistance. And since there are various muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments holding the joint, such dislocation can injure these soft tissues along with the elbow bones.

If not treated promptly and comprehensively, elbow dislocations can become a recurring condition.

What Causes Elbow Dislocations?

Elbow dislocation injuries are more common in athletes involved in throwing, lifting, and sprinting sports as they are more prone to traumatic falls and elbow overextensions. It typically occurs when a person falls on an outstretched hand as the impact force is exerted on the elbow joints. This scenario can also happen in a car accident.

In athletes who frequently perform heavy lifting or pulling movements, the ligaments are at risk of overextended and loosening the bone joints. Any improper rotation or impact at this stage can easily cause the elbow bones to dislocate repeatedly.

Other than trauma, people born with lax or weak ligaments are also at higher risk of having recurring elbow dislocations even with moderate impact.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Elbow Dislocation?

A dislocated elbow can show very obvious and distinct signs such as:

• Apparent disorientation and bruising around the elbow
• Mild to severe persistent pain
• Numbness and pain over the arm
• Inability to move the arm

How Are Elbow Dislocations Diagnosed And Treated?

Elbow dislocations are typically diagnosed via physical examinations and imaging techniques such as X-rays. Their aim is to test the extent of dislocation and if any surrounding soft tissues have been damaged.

In mild and simple dislocations where there is no tissue damage, the bones can be manually repositioned into the joint under anesthesia. This procedure is called a reduction maneuver. Else, your joint will be immobilized in a splint for up to 3 weeks, and you’ll be prescribed therapeutic exercises for improving the elbow’s range of motion.

If the dislocation is complex with soft tissue damage, a surgical relocation of the elbow joint is the best option.

Dr. Pranjal Kodkani, being a sports injury specialist, confirms that elbow dislocations are fairly common and can be effectively treated with a preventive approach. If you ever suffer from dislocation and need prompt elbow treatment in Mumbai, Dr. Kodkani is the best orthopedist for treating your condition. With his modern-day surgical and non-surgical methodologies, he is widely regarded for his elbow dislocation treatment in Mumbai and around the city. You can directly consult him by visiting Dr. Kodkani’s website and booking your online consultation.