Elbow Dislocation

Aetiology

  • Fall onto outstretched hand
  • Occurs in adults and children

Pathophysiology

  • Directions: posterior, anterior, lateral, medial, divergent
  • Pulled elbow in a child can result in sole radial head dislocation (rather than full elbow dislocation)
notion image

Clinical presentation

  • Pain and swelling over the elbow

Investigations

  • X-ray - AP and lateral

Management

  • Reduction - traction in extension +/- pressure over olecranon
    • Closed recution under sedation
    • Open reduction rarely required
  • 2 weeks in sling and rehabilitation
  • Recurrent instability risk is low

Complications

  • Small risk of radial head fractures and coronoid process fractures