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Elbow Dislocation, Sports Medicine

Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Separation/disruption of the articulations between distal humerus, proximal radius, and proximal ulna; typically resulting from trauma and injury to the supporting soft tissue struct...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mechanism of fall

  • Type of activity leading to injury (sports, fall, work, accident)

  • Time since injury

  • Reduction attempts

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • An obvious visual deformity usually is present.

  • Note t...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • In experienced hands, reduction may be performed on the field without analgesia. Otherwise, transport patient to a medical facility that can treat this injury.

  • Appropriate mon...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon should be obtained in most cases. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

Avoid activities that specifically stress the elbow joint (e.g., throwi...

REFERENCES

1
Kuhn MA, Ross G. Acute elbow dislocations. Orthop Clin North Am.  2008;39(2):155–161.
2
Burra G, Andrews J. Acute shoulder and elbow dislocations in the athlete. Orthop Clin North Am. ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Krul M, van der Wouden JC, van Suijlekom-Smit LW, et al. Manipulative interventions for reducing pulled elbow in young children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.  2009;(4):CD007759.

  • ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Recognize neurovascular injury early.

  • Confirm relocation with a radiograph.

  • Early mobilization reduces postreduction stiffness. The elbow is at risk for stiffness, more rapidly and more ...

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