Who do elbow dislocations usually occur in?
Young adults
What is an elbow dislocation classified as?
- Simple
- Complex
What is a complex elbow dislocation?
One associated with concomitant fracture
What % of elbow dislocations are posterior?
90%
What % of elbow dislocations suffer bony injury?
50%
What stabilises the elbow joint?
Static and dynamic stabilisers
What are the primary static stabilisers of the elbow?
- Humeroulnar joint
- Medial and collateral ligaments
What are the secondary static stabilisers or the elbow?
- Radiocapetellar joint
- Joint capsule
- Common flexor and extensor origin tendons
What are the dynamic stabilisers of the elbow?
- Surrounding musculature of elbow joint
- Aconeus
- Brachialis
- Triceps brachii
What can lead to ongoing instability in elbow dislocation?
If the elbows stabilising elements are damaged during traumatic dislocation and loss of all static stabilisation
What typically causes elbow dislocation?
High energy fall
How do patients with elbow dislocation present?
- Painful and deformed elbow
- Associated swelling and decreased function
What is important when examining a dislocation elbow?
Full neuromuscular examination of upper limb
Where is a nerve deficit often found in elbow dislocation?
In territory or ulnar nerve
What investigations may be done in elbow dislocation?
- X-ray
- CT
What x-ray views are required in elbow dislocations?
- AP
- Lateral
How can elbow dislocations be identified on x-ray?
Loss of radiocapitellar and ulnotrochlea congruence
I think this just means the elbow is out of its socket lmao
When is CT imaging useful in elbow dislocation?
Only in cases with associated fractures
What is the initial management of dislocated elbow?
Closed reduction
What are the basic methods for closed reduction of elbow dislocation?
- In line traction
- Manipulation of olecranon
What do you need to ensure when reducing dislocated elbow?
Sufficient analgesia +/- sedation if appropriate
What should be done once elbow has been reduced?
- Apply above-elbow backslab to keep elbow at 90 degrees
- Plain film radiograph to confirm reduction
- Re-assess neurovascular status
What is further management of elbow dislocation post-reduction dependant on?
Presence of associated fracture
How can simple elbow dislocation with no fracture be managed after reduction?
Outpatient followup, following with a short period of immobilisation (5-14 days, depending on local practice). Early rehabilitation with supervised range of motion exercises in the stable arc can be introduced.
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[1] Hip Fractures40
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[2] Spinal Cord Compression54
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[3] Hallux Valgus53
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[4] Principles of Fracture Management35
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[5] Open Fractures40
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[6] Distal Radius Fractures50
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[7] Shoulder Dislocation43
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[8] Adhesive Capsulitis18
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[9] Olecranon Fractures39
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[10] Radial Head Fractures32
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[12] Ganglionic Cysts32
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[13] Radiculopathy54
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[14] Cauda Equina Syndrome41
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[15] Cruciate Ligament Tears39
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[16] Medial Collateral Ligament Tear27
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[17] Meniscal Tears30
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[18] Tibia and Fibula Fractures49
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[19] Subacromial Impingement Syndrome60
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[20] Plantar Fasciitis45
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[23] Iliotibial Band Syndrome33
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[24] Bone and Fracture Physiology31
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[25] Fracture Classification15
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[26] Fracture Complications81
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[27] Scaphoid Fracture13
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[28] Radial and Ulna Shaft Fractures10
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[29] Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus22
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[30] Ankle Injuries14
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[31] Back Pain52
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[32] Osteochondritis20
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[33] Acute Osteomyelitis15
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[35] Brachial Plexus Injury16
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[36] Other Nerve Injuries20
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[37] Osteoarthritis46
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[38] Femoral Shaft Fracture35
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[39] Compartment Syndrome28
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[40] Clavicle Fracture27
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[41] Rotator Cuff Tear40
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[42] Elbow Dislocation34
