Elbow bone dislocation treatment

A dislocation occurs when the bones forming the elbow move out of their normal relationship, often after a fall or forceful impact. The injury may also affect ligaments, bone, nerves, or blood vessels. Assessment usually includes checking hand sensation, finger movement, pulses, swelling, and skin colour, with imaging when needed. A clinician may use closed reduction to guide the joint back into position without an open operation. The elbow is then supported while the team balances protection with the need to avoid prolonged stiffness.

Do not try to pull the elbow back into place yourself. Support the arm in the position found, remove rings if swelling is developing, and seek emergency assessment. After reduction, follow instructions for a sling, brace, wound or skin care, and movement limits. Rehabilitation commonly progresses from protected motion to exercises for range, strength, coordination, and confidence using the arm. Returning to sport, driving, or heavy lifting should wait until your treating clinician confirms that movement and control are adequate.

Treat a suspected dislocation as urgent, particularly when the elbow is visibly deformed, locked, very swollen, or intensely painful. Call emergency services for a cold, pale, blue, or pulseless hand, worsening numbness, or inability to move the fingers. After treatment, seek prompt review for increasing pain, new tingling, recurrent deformity, fever, or a brace that causes pressure or colour change.

Were any ligaments, bones, nerves, or blood vessels injured? Is closed reduction appropriate, and will I need repeat imaging? How long should I use support, which movements are safe now, and when should physiotherapy begin? What would suggest the elbow is becoming unstable?