Dislocated and fractured elbow: what to know

A dislocation means the bones forming the elbow have moved out of their normal relationship. A fracture means one or more of those bones has cracked or broken. Together, they can affect joint stability, movement, nearby nerves, or blood flow. X-rays and sometimes additional imaging help define the injury before treatment is chosen.

Do not try to straighten the arm yourself. Keep it supported in the position found, remove rings if possible, and avoid food or drink until a clinician advises you, because a procedure may be needed.

At an emergency assessment, clinicians check skin colour, warmth, sensation, and finger movement as well as the joint. Treatment may include a splint, pain control, and a clinician-performed closed reduction when appropriate. A fracture that is unstable or involves the joint surface may need specialist treatment. Once protection is safe, physiotherapy can address stiffness, strength, and controlled elbow motion.

Seek emergency care now for a visibly misshapen elbow, an open wound, severe or increasing pain, a hand that becomes cold or pale, new numbness, inability to move the fingers, or rapidly increasing swelling. These signs can indicate pressure or injury affecting circulation, nerves, or the skin.

Ask which bone is fractured, whether the elbow is stable after reduction, how long it should remain protected, and which movements are allowed first. Also ask how follow-up imaging will be arranged and when supervised rehabilitation should begin.