Elbow dislocation
Marian Grosser studied human medicine in Munich. In addition, the doctor, who was interested in many things, dared to make some exciting detours: studying philosophy and art history, working on the radio and, finally, also for a Netdoctor.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.In the case of elbow dislocation, the upper and the two forearm bones in the elbow joint have completely shifted and no longer lie against each other. The trigger is usually a fall on the outstretched arm. In addition to the elbow dislocation, this often results in typical accompanying injuries that can only be healed through an operation. Here you can find out everything you need to know about elbow dislocation.
ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. M22S73S83S53M24S43
How does the elbow joint work?
The elbow joint consists of three partial joints. The ulna forms a large hinge joint with the humerus and enables the forearm to bend and straighten. The end of the spoke near the body forms both a wheel joint with the ulna and a ball joint with the humerus. It enables the forearm to rotate in and out and also helps with flexion and extension.
How does elbow dislocation occur?
The elbow dislocation is usually the result of a fall on the outstretched arm, which is hyperextended in the elbow. The forearm bone slips back and jumps out of the ball joint. Other accident mechanisms are possible, but much less common. The same applies to elbow dislocation: Once it has occurred, the risk of further dislocations increases.
The typical injuries associated with elbow dislocation
Many accompanying injuries are also possible with elbow dislocation. Often a small protrusion of bone breaks off the ulna, not infrequently the head of the spoke. If the ligaments on the side of the ulna also tear, one speaks of an "unhappy triad". This injury constellation makes the elbow joint particularly unstable.
Elbow dislocation can also injure nerves, particularly the ulnar and median nerves. Damage to these nerves leads to sensitivity disorders in the fingers and part of the forearm, as well as movement disorders and loss of strength in the hand. Bending and spreading the fingers then causes difficulties.
A dislocation of the elbow with ossification of the surrounding tissue heals very much. This is due to inflammatory reactions around the injured joint. This can lead to significant restrictions on movement and is difficult to treat. One tries to prevent this complication with anti-inflammatory drugs.
How is elbow dislocation treated?
As soon as there are accompanying injuries, the elbow dislocation is usually operated on, otherwise attempts are made to reduce the dislocation manually, i.e. to bring the joint surfaces back together (to straighten).
After successful reduction, the patient is put in an upper arm cast, which holds the elbow joint in a bent position at right angles. After a week, the joint is x-rayed and its function checked. If there is sufficient improvement, the plaster of paris can already be removed and a movement orthosis can be fitted, which stabilizes and secures the movement of the joint for about six more weeks. The elbow should be moved regularly during this time to prevent joint stiffening. It is a particularly common complication after an elbow dislocation.
