What should you know about unstable elbow dislocation?

A dislocation occurs when the elbow surfaces lose their normal alignment. Instability means the joint tends to shift, or the supporting ligaments and associated bones have been substantially injured. Swelling, deformity, severe pain, and inability to bend or straighten the arm are common features. Numbness or tingling in the hand can signal nerve involvement, while a cold, pale, or blue hand can indicate impaired circulation. An associated fracture changes the treatment plan, so an examination and imaging are usually needed.

Keep the arm still in the position found, support it with a sling or folded cloth, and remove rings or watches before swelling increases. Do not attempt to pull the elbow back into place. A clinician may use closed reduction to realign the joint, followed by a brace, splint, or supervised movement plan. Once protected, physiotherapy helps restore safe motion and strength without repeatedly stressing the injured tissues. Attend follow-up appointments because alignment and stability can change during healing.

Treat a suspected dislocation as an emergency, especially when the arm looks deformed or the hand is numb, cold, pale, or blue. Get immediate help for uncontrolled pain, an open wound, rapidly increasing swelling, or inability to move the fingers. After reduction, return urgently for worsening pain, new tingling, colour change, fever, or a feeling that the elbow has slipped again.

Are there fractures or ligament injuries as well as the dislocation? Is the elbow stable after reduction? How long should I use the brace, and which movements are allowed? When should physiotherapy begin, and what symptoms require urgent review?