The elbow joint is one of the most prone to injury, due to its wide range of motion and the complexity of the structures that comprise it. In this article we will discuss what an elbow dislocation is, its most common causes, the available treatments and the measures that can be taken to prevent them.
What is an elbow dislocation?
Elbow dislocation is a very common pathology in traumatology. This occurs when the relationship between the humero-radial, humero-ulnar and radio-ulnar joints is broken, causing very intense pain to the person who suffers from it. There are two main types of elbow dislocations: partial dislocation and complete dislocation.
Partial dislocation or subluxation occurs when the misalignment between the bones is incomplete and the joint ends still maintain some contact.
On the other hand, complete dislocation occurs when the bones have been completely displaced, completely separating the articular surfaces.
It is important to note that expectations in the case of this injury are very high and recovery occurs satisfactorily in at least 80% of cases.
Causes of elbow dislocation
Elbow dislocations often occur due to sudden movements or impacts that exert excessive force on the joint.
The main reason why this injury occurs is due to a strong fall on the outstretched hand, since there is a good chance that the humerus will be out of its correct alignment with the joint.
Traffic accidents are also a common cause as they cause severe trauma.
Elbow dislocation can also occur in sports such as football, hockey, skiing, gymnastics or volleyball.
In this sense, practicing sports becomes one of the risk factors along with age (children's elbows are more prone, so we must avoid jerking when walking), sex (it affects men more than men). women) or genetics (people with laxer ligaments).
Diagnosis of elbow dislocation
Diagnosing a dislocated elbow begins with a medical evaluation, where the specialist will examine the patient's symptoms and arm mobility. If a dislocation is suspected, the doctor will confirm the diagnosis using imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. These tests will allow him or her to accurately assess the degree of bone displacement, as well as the presence of possible ligament damage or fractures, which will help determine the severity of the injury and the most appropriate treatment.
What is the preoperative period for elbow dislocation?
First of all, the bones must return to their place and for this a specialist will perform a reduction, but not before correctly evaluating the injury so as not to cause further damage. Subsequently, the pathology will be studied to decide whether to perform elbow surgery, which will be necessary in the following cases:
- Fracture of any of the dislocated bones.
- Ligament tear.
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels and bones of the elbow.
In the case of operating on the patient, Doctor Elgeadi's team thoroughly prepares for possible complications with a set of fundamental tools in the operating room:
- Fracture fixation equipment for radial head, coronid, proximal ulna.
- Implants to replace radio head.
- Bone anchors for soft tissues.
- Articulated external fixation
What are the types of elbow dislocation treatments?
There are several options for treating elbow dislocation, depending on the severity of the injury and whether there is an associated fracture.
Acute elbow treatment
This type of treatment is applied in cases where there are elbow fractures associated with the radial head and/or coronoid. The surgical approach may be lateral or medial, depending on the location and type of injury. In addition, articulated external fixators are sometimes used in this type of treatment for the following cases:
- Neutralizing the load on repairs when they appear weak.
- The elbow appears vulnerable to reluxation.
- So that the patient can move the arm in a regulated manner from the first day.
Delayed elbow treatment
The parts that are restored are the same as with acute treatment but with complications such as scar tissue, partially or completely united bone fragments, and poorly identifiable articular surfaces.
Upon successful completion of the operation, it is highly recommended to go to a specialist rehabilitation and physiotherapy center for your speedy recovery. In our case, we faithfully recommend Rekovery Clinic as specialists in physiotherapy and elbow rehabilitation in Madrid.
How long does it take for a dislocated elbow to heal?
The recovery time for a dislocated elbow will depend on the degree of displacement that has occurred. In cases of mild dislocations, where surgery is not required, recovery can take between 3 and 6 weeks. During this period, the elbow must remain immobilized and physiotherapy sessions must be carried out.
In the case of severe dislocations, which require surgical intervention due to ligament damage or fractures, the recovery process will be longer. In these cases, the recovery time may extend to several months, depending on the complexity of the injury.
Sequelae after elbow dislocation
The vast majority of elbow dislocation cases are successfully recovered from, but it is essential for patients to attend specialized trauma clinics that can offer adequate treatment. In cases where dislocations are treated incorrectly, patients may experience side effects such as limited mobility, chronic pain, or nerve damage, among others.
If you have suffered an elbow dislocation and need advice, do not hesitate to contact the trauma team so that they can evaluate your case, establish the appropriate diagnosis and carry out your recovery with optimal results.
