Broken and dislocated elbow: what to do

Keep the arm still in the position found, support it gently and go to an emergency department. Do not try to straighten or relocate the elbow yourself.

A fracture-dislocation means the elbow joint has moved out of alignment and at least one nearby bone has broken. The injury may also stretch or tear ligaments and can affect nerves or blood vessels that serve the forearm and hand. Severe pain, swelling, deformity and inability to move the elbow are common presentations of this injury.

Clinicians examine the skin and test hand warmth, pulse, sensation and finger movement. X-rays define the fracture and joint position; further imaging may be used when the bone pattern or joint stability needs closer assessment.

Remove rings, watches or tight items before swelling increases, provided this can be done without moving the injured elbow. Cover an open wound with a clean dressing, but do not push exposed bone or tissue back inside. Avoid food and drink until the emergency team advises, because a procedure may be needed.

Treatment depends on fracture position, joint stability, skin damage and circulation. The team may realign the joint with pain control or anaesthesia and place the arm in a splint. Unstable fractures, trapped fragments, open wounds or persistent poor alignment may require surgery. Rehabilitation follows once the treating clinician considers movement safe, balancing stiffness prevention with protection of healing tissues.

Treat a visibly deformed elbow after a fall or impact as an emergency, especially when pain and swelling prevent movement. Call emergency services if the hand is cold, pale or blue; the pulse seems absent; numbness is worsening; fingers cannot move; bleeding is heavy; bone is visible; or the person has other major injuries.

After treatment, return urgently for increasing pain that is not controlled, a splint that feels progressively tight, new tingling or numbness, colour or temperature change in the fingers, fever, wound drainage or spreading redness.

Ask which bones and ligaments are injured, whether the elbow is stable after realignment, how to check circulation and sensation at home, and when finger, shoulder and elbow exercises can begin. Clarify splint care, pain relief, follow-up imaging and which activities could disrupt healing.