Podcast #317: Elbow Dislocation

Author: John Winkler, M.D.

Educational Pearls:

● Lower mechanisms of injury have a lower chance of an associated fracture or major ligament injury

● One major concern is having a fracture fragment in the joint (can lead to chronic arthritic pain)

● Evaluation should involve checking the neurovascular status of the arm and reduce the fracture as soon as possible. Immobilize arm in a sling and consult orthopedics if there is intra-articular involvement.

References:

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/elbow-dislocation/

Mehta, JA; Bain, GI. (2004). Elbow dislocations in adults and children. ​Clinics in Sports Medicine.​ 23(4):609-27.