Elbow Dislocation Treatment in Raleigh, NC

What Is an Elbow Dislocation?

Elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) are displaced from the humerus (upper arm bone). The vast majority are posterior dislocations — the forearm bones move behind the humerus — caused by falling on an outstretched hand. The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated major joint (after the shoulder).

Dislocations are classified as:

• Simple dislocation: No associated fractures — typically treated with closed reduction and early motion
• Complex dislocation (fracture-dislocation): Associated fractures of the radial head, coronoid process, or olecranon — often requires surgery
• Terrible Triad injury: Dislocation + radial head fracture + coronoid fracture — highly unstable, almost always requires surgery

Associated Injuries

Elbow dislocations almost always injure the ligaments. The most common associated injuries are:

• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) complex tear — the most common ligament torn in elbow dislocation
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL/UCL) tear
• Radial head fracture — present in approximately 30% of dislocations
• Coronoid process fracture
• Ulnar nerve injury — tingling in ring and little fingers after dislocation

Treatment After Emergency Reduction

Simple Dislocations

After closed reduction in the ER, stable simple dislocations are treated with a brief period of immobilization (typically 3–5 days only — not 3 weeks as previously practiced) followed by immediate range-of-motion exercises. Early motion is critical — prolonged immobilization leads to severe permanent stiffness.

Complex Dislocations

Fracture-dislocations require surgical stabilization. Dr. Chambers addresses each component — fixing fractures, repairing ligaments, and restoring stability — to allow early motion and minimize stiffness.

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