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Elbow dislocation

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Written by Garotta Lorenzo   

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Dislocation of the elbow often occurs after a sports injury (rugby, hockey, skiing, volleyball, basketball, judo, surfing, motocross ...).

There are two types of dislocation: posterior (90% of cases) and anterior that can be associated with fracture of the olecranon (10%). Dislocation of the elbow can sometimes recur as a dislocated shoulder, if there is a damage to  ligaments. Patients with these conditions may benefit from surgical treatment. 

Causes of dislocation
Dislocation is often consequent to a fall : when dislocation occurs at a very young age (12-13 years old) it can easily become a recurrent dislocation. Anterior dislocation of the elbow generally requires a fairly violent trauma. 

Symptoms, complications and reduction in emergency
Dislocation is very painful: it occurs with a deformation of the posterior elbow. It may be associated with fractures and / or ligament and nerve injuries (* bibliography). A closed reduction is performed under anesthesia: the physician has to test for stability after the reduction especially in extension, looking for indications of a risk of recurrency. In more complex cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery to reduce the dislocation and predict internal fixation of associated fractures. Sometimes a prosthetic radial head may be recommended.

Late complications are stiffness, painful (loose bodies?...) and recurrent dislocation.


Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation of elbow surgery is crucial to get a good result and is performed according to well codified protocols. The goal is to start early rehabilitation to prevent stiffness and muscle atrophy.

(This website only provides a general guidance: it is essential that you strictly follow the advise given by the surgeon and physiotherapist who are providing the treatment.)


* Bibliography
Beverly MC., Fearn CB. Interosseus anterior nerve palsy and dislocation of the elbow. Injury 1984, 16, 126-128. 

Hallet J. Entrapment of the median nerve after dislocation of the elbow: a case report JBJS 1981; 63
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 September 2011 17:10