What should you know about a dislocated elbow?

The injury occurs when the forearm bones move out of their normal relationship with the upper-arm bone at the elbow. It often causes severe pain, deformity, swelling, and inability to move the joint. Fractures, ligament damage, and injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels can occur at the same time.

Clinicians check the hand's pulse, warmth, color, feeling, and movement because nerves and blood vessels cross the elbow. Imaging can show the joint position and associated fractures. A trained clinician may use closed reduction to guide the bones back into alignment, with appropriate pain control or sedation. The arm is then rechecked and supported; injuries with fractures, instability, or damaged vessels may require specialist procedures.

Keep the arm in the position found and support it with padding or a sling if this does not increase pain. Remove rings and watches because swelling may worsen. Do not straighten, twist, test, or manipulate the elbow, and do not eat or drink until the treating team advises you because sedation or a procedure may be needed. Cover any wound loosely with a clean dressing without pushing exposed tissue.

Go to an emergency department for a suspected elbow dislocation. Call emergency services if the hand becomes cold, pale, blue, numb, or weak; if no pulse can be felt; if bone is visible; or if bleeding is heavy. These findings may signal compromised circulation, nerve injury, or an open injury. Increasing tightness, severe pain, or loss of finger movement while waiting also requires immediate attention.

Ask whether a fracture or ligament injury was found, how long the support should stay on, and when elbow and hand movement can begin. Clarify lifting restrictions, wound or splint care, and which changes in color, sensation, swelling, or pain require reassessment. Physiotherapy may help restore motion and strength once the joint is stable enough for guided exercise.