Elbow Dislocation/Fracture
Acute injuries to the elbow are common in all ages. It is important to assess them promptly and accurately to prevent long-term disability.

Fractures of the elbow bones come in different forms. Therefore, it is strongly advisable for any patient who sustained an acute elbow injury to attend the nearest Accident and Emergency unit at the local hospital for proper and thorough assessment and tests. Some of these fractures may need an urgent intervention.

Elbow Dislocation is not uncommon injury. This when the joint surfaces of an elbow are forced apart. The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated joint in adults (after shoulder dislocation). It may happen after a fall onto an outstretched arm, a direct impact to the elbow, or a twisting injury. Clinical symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to move. Once the dislocation has occurred it is a medical emergency and one should quickly reach the nearest hospital. The diagnosis is frequently made by x-rays. Then, the immediate intervention is needed to reduce (pop in) the joint back to the normal shape as well as treating any other associated injuries (like fractures around the joint).

The elbow is a stable joint with strong ligaments on each side which provide support. These ligaments are vulnerable to injuries (complete or partial rupture) during fracture or dislocation of the elbow. If they do not heal properly, it may cause ongoing symptoms of elbow instability and arthritis on a long term. Therefore, it is important to recognise and diagnose elbow instability at an early stage after the injury.

The clinical features are variable and sometimes subtle and there are many types of elbow instabilities. It needs a specialist’s experience to elicit these features with the help of special tests to confirm the diagnosis. Back...

Treatment
In the majority of these cases, they can be treated non-operatively with special programme of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. In the other cases of persistent instability, surgical treatment would be planned and discussed with the patient, including Ligament Reconstruction of the elbow. Back...

At Ross Hall Hospital
(see map here)
• Either call 0141 810 3151
• Or book online directly

At Nuffield Glasgow Hospital
(see map here)
• Either call 0141 334 9441
• Or by email: [email protected]

Please click this link to take you to the
enquiry form