Elbow Dislocation - Posterior Dislocation of Elbow - Treatment and Cure

An injury to the elbow joint so that adjoining bones are displaced from their normal position and no longer touch each other. An elbow dislocation is usually a surgical emergency because damage to nerves and blood vessels is common and severe.

Places where Elbow Dislocation occurs

Elbow joint. Adjoining arm bones (ulna, radius and humerus). Collateral ligament of the elbow. Soft tissue surrounding the dislocation, including nerves, tendons, muscles and blood vessels.

Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Dislocation

Direct blow to the elbow. Fall onto an outstretched hand. End result of a severe elbow sprain. Congenital elbow abnormality, such as shallow or malformed joint surfaces. Powerful muscle contractions.

• Visible deformity if the dislocated bones have locked in the dislocated position. Bones may spontaneously reposition themselves and leave no deformity, but damage is the same.
• Tenderness over the dislocation.
• Swelling and bruising around the elbow.
• Excruciating pain at the time of injury.
• Loss of elbow function.
• Severe pain when attempting to move the elbow.
• Numbness or paralysis in the arm below the dislocation caused by pressure on blood vessels or nerves.
• Decreased or absent pulse at the wrist because of blood-vessel damage.

Complications in Elbow Dislocation

Damage to nearby nerves or major blood vessels. Excessive internal bleeding. Shock or loss of consciousness. Recurrent dislocations, particularly if a previous dislocation has not healed completely. Proneness to repeated injury. Unstable or arthritic elbow following repeated injury.

Treatment, Medication and Care for Elbow Dislocation

For First aid, use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. The doctor will manipulate and realign the dislocated bones. Surgery may be required to do this. Manipulation should occur within 6 hours of injury or shock may occur. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and may become difficult to return to a normal functional position. Keep the person warm with blankets to decrease the possibility of shock. Cut away clothing if possible, but don't move the injured area to do so. Immobilize the elbow, shoulder and wrist with padded splints in the position they are in. Don't try to manipulate the elbow.

Splints will be necessary to immobilize the elbow, and a sling will be necessary to immobilize the entire arm. The posterior (hind) splint is usually removed 2 weeks after injury, and the anterior (front) splint is removed 1 week later. A sling is used for another week. Use ice soaks 3 or 4 times a day. Fill a bucket with ice water, and soak the injured area for 20 minutes at a time. Use heat applications if heat feels better. Use heat lamps, hot showers or heating pads. Take whirlpool treatments, if available.

• General anesthesia or muscle relaxants to make joint manipulation possible.
• Acetaminophen to relieve moderate pain.
• Narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Antibiotics to fight infection if surgery is necessary.

Dietary Cure for Elbow Dislocation

Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting under general anesthesia more hazardous. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation due to decreased activity.

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