Dislocated Elbow
Do not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself if you suspect you have a serious elbow injury. Getting prompt medical attention for your elbow pain is important to getting you back to your normal activities and feeling like yourself again. Oneida Health’s Emergency Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please visit Oneida Health’s Emergency Care for more information,
Oneida Health’s Quick Care is a walk-in solution for medical care with no appointment necessary available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please visit our Quick Care website for more information.
What is a Dislocated Elbow?
An elbow becomes dislocated when the bones of the forearm move out of place as compared to the bones of the upper arm. The elbow joint becomes dislocated, or out of place, where these bones meet.
What Causes A Dislocated Elbow?
A dislocated elbow is caused by a fall or any traumatic injury to the elbow or arm.
Dislocated Elbow Symptoms
Your elbow may be dislocated if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the elbow
- Swelling around the elbow
- Inability to move the elbow
Dislocated Elbow Diagnosis
To determine whether you have a dislocated elbow, your doctor may do the following:
- Examine your elbow
- Check your pulse
- Make sure you can feel normally
- Make sure you can move your fingers and wrist
- Make sure blood is flowing normally to your hand
- Order X-rays to rule out fracture
- If the doctor suspects there is a secondary injury to your artery, an arteriogram (X-ray of your artery) may be performed.
Dislocated Elbow Treatment
If your elbow is dislocated, your doctor will develop a treatment plan which may include the following:
- Rest
- Ice
- Splint
- Pain medication