Search
Elbow Dislocation
- The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated joint after the shoulder in adults.
- It is the most commonly dislocated joint in children.
- 90% of all elbow dislocation are posterior. A considerable amount of force is required to dislocate the elbow so be highly suspicous for associated fractures of the radial head, or coronoid process of the ulna.
- The combination of a radial head fracture, coronoid process fracture and elbow dislocation is known as the terrible elbow.
- Anterior elbow dislocations can be associated with injuries to the brachial artery, median and ulnar nerves.
Quick clinical clues that the elbow is dislocated:
- Posterior dislocation typically will have a prominent olecranon process, the arm is flexed at the elbow, and the forearm will appear shortened.
- Anterior dislocation typically present with the arm in extension and the forearm will appear elongated.