What should you know about elbow posterior dislocation?

The elbow normally depends on a close fit between the upper-arm bone and the forearm bones. A backward displacement can stretch the capsule, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Severe pain, visible deformity, swelling, and inability to use the arm are typical. A fracture may occur at the same time, so an examination and X-rays are usually needed before and after treatment. Do not try to push the joint back into place yourself.

Support the arm in the position found, keep it still, remove rings or watches before swelling increases, and seek emergency assessment. Clinicians may use a closed reduction to guide the bones back into alignment, often with pain relief or sedation. They then check circulation, nerve function, stability, and imaging. After protection in a splint, supervised physiotherapy helps restore movement without stressing healing tissues. Follow restrictions carefully because returning to lifting too soon can destabilise the elbow.

Treat a suspected dislocation as an emergency. Call for urgent help if the elbow is deformed, the hand is numb or weak, fingers cannot move normally, or the hand is cold, pale, or blue. Worsening pain, tight swelling, or loss of pulse also requires immediate attention.

Are there fractures or ligament injuries as well as the dislocation? Is the joint stable after reduction? How long should it be protected? Which movements should physiotherapy begin with, and when can I resume work or sport?