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Elbow Dislocations: Causes and Treatment

The elbow is a hinge joint composed of three articulations: the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and radioulnar joints. It is stabilized by ligaments including the ulnar collateral, radial collateral, and annular ligaments. Elbow dislocations are common, accounting for 20% of all dislocations, and are frequently associated with fractures of the radial head, medial/lateral epicondyles, or coronoid process. Clinical features of an elbow dislocation include severe pain, swelling, limited movement, and bowstringing of the triceps tendon. Treatment is closed reduction under anesthesia followed by immobilization in a plaster cast.

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Tibin Kavumkal Thomas
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406 views14 pages

Elbow Dislocations: Causes and Treatment

The elbow is a hinge joint composed of three articulations: the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and radioulnar joints. It is stabilized by ligaments including the ulnar collateral, radial collateral, and annular ligaments. Elbow dislocations are common, accounting for 20% of all dislocations, and are frequently associated with fractures of the radial head, medial/lateral epicondyles, or coronoid process. Clinical features of an elbow dislocation include severe pain, swelling, limited movement, and bowstringing of the triceps tendon. Treatment is closed reduction under anesthesia followed by immobilization in a plaster cast.

Uploaded by

Tibin Kavumkal Thomas
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to Elbow Dislocations: Provides an introduction to the topic of elbow dislocations including visual x-ray examples.
  • Joints of the Elbow: Describes the components and articulations of the elbow joint including the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and radioulnar joints.
  • Ligaments of the Elbow: Discusses the ligaments found in the elbow including the ulnar collateral, radial collateral, and annular ligaments with images.
  • Elbow Dislocation Overview: Explains the prevalence, types, and associated fractures of elbow dislocations.
  • Clinical Features of Elbow Dislocation: Details the clinical features such as pain, tendon prominence, and median nerve palsy often diagnosed with X-rays.
  • Dislocation of the Radius: Covers specific issues with the radial head including subluxation and nursemaid's arm in children.
  • Treatment and Complications: Describes the treatment protocol including reduction under anaesthesia and potential complications post-treatment.

ELBOW

DISLOCATIONS
Joints of the Elbow
• Hinge joint
• Composed of 3 articulations:
1. Humeroulnar joint
2. Humeroradial joint
3. Radioulnar joint
The Elbow Joint
Ligaments of the Elbow
Ulnar Collateral Ligament
medial side – connects humerus to ulna

Radial Collateral Ligament


Lateral side – connects humerus to radius

Annular Ligament
Surrounds radial head/holds it tight
to ulna
Elbow Dislocations

• 20% of all dislocations


• Second most commonly dislocated major
joint of the body behind the shoulder
• Associated fractures
• – Radial head/neck 50-60%
• – Medial/lateral epicondyle 10%
• – Coronoid process 10%
Elbow dislocation
• Usually fall on the wrist
or hand with the elbow
in extension.
• Severe pain at elbow
and swelling
• Minimal movement
classification
Clinical features

Severe pain at the elbow


Triceps tendon stands prominent(bowstringing of triceps)
The 3 bony-points relationship is reversed
Associated median nerve palsy

Diagonosis is often confirmed on X-rays


X-RAYS

Posterior dislocation of elbow


Medial dislocation of elbow
Divergent dislocation of elbow
Dislocation of the Radius
• The radial head may be displaced forward,
backward, or outward
• Children under 5 are prone to subluxation of
the radial head due to a “pulling” on the
forearm
Pulled elbow or Nursemaid’s arm
Treatment
It is by reduction under anaesthesia followed by
immobilisation in an above-elbow plaster slab
for 3 weeks
complications
Elbow stiffness
Myositis
Injury to brachial artery and median nerve
Compartment syndrome
Fracture of head of radius & coronoid process
Fracture & entrapment of medial epicondyle
heterotropic ossification (formation of bone where it
is usually not seen as in muscles and fascia).

ELBOW DISLOCATIONS
Joints of the Elbow Joints of the Elbow • Hinge joint Hinge joint • Composed of 3 articulations: Composed of 3 articulati
The Elbow Joint The Elbow Joint
Ligaments of the Elbow Ligaments of the Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Ulnar Collateral Ligament medial side – connect
Elbow Dislocations Elbow Dislocations • 20% of all dislocations 20% of all dislocations • Second most commonly dislocated
Elbow dislocation Elbow dislocation • Usually fall on the wrist Usually fall on the wrist or hand with the elbow or
classification classification
Clinical features Clinical features Severe pain at the elbow Triceps tendon stands prominent(bowstringing of triceps) 
X-RAYS Posterior dislocation of elbow
Medial dislocation of elbow

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