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Dislocated Elbow: Treatment and Symptoms

One of the most common elbow injuries to our patients in Raleigh, Cary, Apex Garner and the Triangle is dislocation. This occurs during a fall on an outstretched hand and the joint stabilizing tissues become disrupted resulting in the bones moving out of place. In the event you experienced this injury, symptoms will be immediate with significant pain, severe loss of elbow range of motion, swelling and deformity at the joint. There may be some secondary numbness and tingling below the injured joint, typically in the hand. You will not be able to tell if the elbow is fractured until X-rays are obtained from an elbow doctor.

Management Of Elbow Pain and Dislocations

When this injury occurs, it is recommended that you initially be taken to the Emergency Room at your local hospital to be assessed by an elbow doctor. This usually involves physical examination and X-Rays. At that point, as indicated, the elbow will be reduced, or relocated to its normal position, the elbow will then be immobilized usually in a brace or splint. Additional examination for stability, circulation and any nerve injury will be conducted. Any findings of circulatory or nerve damage will need to be addressed immediately by a specialist.

Dislocated Elbow Treatment

In the event of an isolated dislocation with elbow pain but no other problems such as fracture, circulatory or nerve injury, you will be immobilized in a brace or splint to allow for proper healing, pain reduction and re-stabilization of the joint.

At the appropriate time, you will be allowed to begin non-forceful range of motion exercises and eventual strength training.

Are There Any Long Term Complications With Injury?

In the event of major ligament disruption or improper healing, the elbow may continue to experience instability and elbow pain. Another problem that occurs is potential stiffness and loss of range of motion due to the trauma and scar tissue formation. This typically will not result in functional disability.

For more information on how the dislocated elbow treatment specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC