Elbow Dislocation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Elbow dislocation is a condition in which one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint shift out of their normal positions. The elbow joint consists of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), ulna, and radius (forearm bones). This condition generally occurs due to an injury and can cause severe pain, making the elbow difficult or even impossible to move.

In addition to displacing the bones, an elbow dislocation can damage surrounding tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Therefore, this condition requires prompt medical attention, especially if the elbow is extremely painful or cannot be moved. Do not attempt to put the elbow back into place yourself, as doing so may worsen the injury.

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What Are the Symptoms of an Elbow Dislocation?

An elbow dislocation can cause symptoms immediately after an injury. The severity may vary depending on the condition of the joint and surrounding tissues. Here are some symptoms of an elbow dislocation to look out for:

Severe pain: The elbow becomes painful immediately after the injury, particularly when the arm is moved.
Changes in the shape of the elbow: The elbow may look abnormal or appear displaced from its normal position.
Swelling and bruising: The area around the elbow joint may swell, and the skin may change color due to the injury.
Difficulty moving the arm: The elbow may be difficult or impossible to bend or straighten, preventing the arm from functioning normally.
Joint instability: The elbow may feel weak or as though it cannot adequately support arm movements.
Tingling or numbness: The fingers may feel tingly or numb if the nerves around the elbow are affected.

In certain cases, an elbow dislocation can also damage blood vessels. If the elbow looks deformed, is extremely painful, or cannot be moved after an injury, seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to put the joint back into place yourself.

Causes and Risk Factors of Elbow Dislocation

An elbow dislocation occurs when the joint experiences enough pressure or impact to cause the bones to shift out of their normal positions. This condition can affect anyone, but the risk may be higher among people who engage in certain activities or have conditions that affect joint stability.

Some common causes of elbow dislocation include:

Falling on an outstretched hand: For example, when someone tries to break a fall by using their hand to support their body.
Motor vehicle accidents: The impact of a collision can place significant force on the elbow.
Sports injuries: Elbow dislocations can occur during contact sports or activities that carry a risk of falls and impacts.
Pulling a child’s arm: Pulling or lifting a child by the arm can cause a partial elbow dislocation known as nursemaid’s elbow.

Meanwhile, factors that may increase the risk of elbow dislocation include:

Athletes who participate in contact sports.
Children under 16 and adults over 65.
Conditions that cause weaker ligaments or excessively flexible joints, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and joint hypermobility syndrome.
Repetitive elbow movements, such as those required by certain jobs or sports involving throwing.

Understanding these causes and risk factors can help people become more aware of elbow injuries, particularly when playing sports or engaging in activities that carry a risk of falls.

How Is an Elbow Dislocation Treated?

Treatment for an elbow dislocation aims to restore the bones to their normal positions and help the joint recover properly. Anyone experiencing an elbow dislocation should seek immediate medical attention in the emergency department.

A doctor may perform a closed reduction, a procedure that restores the bones to their normal positions without surgery. While waiting for medical assistance, keep the elbow as still as possible. Do not attempt to reposition the joint yourself, as this could worsen the injury and damage surrounding tissues.

Once the bones have been returned to their normal positions, the doctor may recommend further treatment, such as:

Immobilization: Using a splint or arm sling to keep the elbow in position during recovery.
Medication: Taking medication as prescribed by the doctor to help relieve pain and inflammation.
Rest: Avoiding activities that place stress on the elbow or require extensive elbow movement until the doctor confirms it is safe to resume normal activities.

Does an Elbow Dislocation Require Surgery?

Not all elbow dislocations require surgery. Many cases can be treated with closed reduction, followed by immobilization and recovery measures tailored to the patient’s condition. However, surgery may be necessary if the dislocation is accompanied by serious damage to the tissues or structures surrounding the joint, if closed reduction is unsuccessful or cannot be performed, or if the patient has a complex dislocation.

The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the injury and the doctor’s examination findings. A medical evaluation is therefore necessary to determine the appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of complications or long-term impairment of elbow function.

Orthopedic Specialists at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital for Elbow Dislocation

Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital has orthopedic specialists who can help manage various joint injuries and conditions, including elbow dislocations. The following doctors are listed in alphabetical order:

Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides various support facilities to offer additional comfort to patients traveling from other cities or countries.

VIP transport: Pick-up services from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or ports to the hospital in comfortable vehicles, accompanied by the Patient Experience Officer (PEO) team.
Medical ambulance pick-up: Specialized pick-up services for patients with specific medical conditions from their arrival point (airport, train station, or port), equipped with medical equipment and accompanied by professional healthcare staff.
Accommodation (Sleep Hub and apartments): Comfortable accommodation for family members accompanying patients, located on the eighth floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, with additional options at nearby apartments.
International Patient Relations: Dedicated assistance for international patients with medical coordination, interpretation, and administrative arrangements. For information and assistance, contact International Patient Relations at 021 5092 8888 or email [email protected].

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use the Chat via WhatsApp feature, the Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app, which is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These services make it easier to arrange appointments, check queue numbers, and access other useful information.

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and provides a general overview. It does not represent every medical service that each doctor may perform. To determine the appropriate treatment for your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.