A Family Doctor's Tale - DISLOCATION OF ELBOW

DOC I HAVE DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW

Dislocation of the Elbow is a common injury of the elbow.

It is usually posterior in direction and results from a fall on the outstretched hand with the elbow extended.

It is more likely to occur in people who do strenuous physical activities.

The cause of Dislocation of Elbow is:

1.Injury or trauma to the elbow bones from a fall resulting in the humerus end sliding out of the olecranon socket.

2.Somtimes when a child is lifted by the hand or wrist, subluxation of the elbow bones may occur

The symptoms and signs of Dislocation of Elbow are:Symptoms:
Symptoms:

1.Pain and deformity of the  affected elbow

2.Swelling of the affected elbow joint
 
3.Pain often radiates into the forearm

Signs:

1.swelling and difficulty in movement of the elbow

2.typically the other arm is holding on to the affected arm
 
3. X-rays show usually normal bones with displacement of the  locations of the humerus and radius at the elbow joint.
No fractures are seen

The complications of Dislocation of Elbow is:

Deformity and loss of function of the elbow if left untreated.

The Treatment of Dislocation of Elbow is:

Conservative treatment:
1.reduction of the dislocation is done under local anesthesia

2.Use a gentle steady traction on the wrist with counter action on the shoulder.

3.Extend the elbow to unlock the olecranon

4.Bend the elbow slowly and keep it immobilized at 90 degree of flexion in plaster of paris or bandage for at least 3 weeks to allow for ligaments and capsular healing.

5.Do another x-ray to check the position of the elbow joint and exclude fracture during reduction.

5.Pain killers such as NSAID(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be given for pain

6.Gentle range of movement exercises are instituted after removal of bandage or plaster of paris

7.Temporary stiffness may be present and recovery may take several months. Motion should never be forced

8.There should be a gradual return of the elbow  to normal movement
and weight bearing.

Surgery :
surgery is never necessary

The prognosis of Dislocation of Elbow is:

Prognosis is usually good  with proper treatment.

The prevention of Dislocation of Elbow is:

1. Avoid any traumatic injury to elbow.

2.Avoid pulled elbow in children