A dislocated elbow occurs when the joints of the elbow separate. An x-ray of a dislocated elbow can show a partial or complete separation of the joints.  When the joints are displaced the joints no longer touch.


  When this happens, damage to the blood vessels and nerves is severe.   The common areas for a dislocation can occur along the elbow joint, and the adjoining arm bones.  The elbow is supported by ligaments, nerves, tissues, tendons, muscles and blood vessels.


  When dislocation occurs, these will be affected.  

The corollary tissues will tear and result in the inflammation of the area.  The elbow swelling that is manifested, are symptomatic of the damage to the area.  A dislocated elbow is caused by a direct blow or is a result of a severe elbow sprain.  Congenital abnormalities as well as powerful muscle contractions can injure the joints of the elbow.   A dislocated elbow will cause loss of elbow function, numbness in the arm, bruising, and a decreased or absent pulse.  The injury is excruciatingly painful.   

A person who injures his elbow joints will lose consciousness or go into shock.  There will be excessive internal bleeding.  If he had a previous injury on the same elbow, chances are, there will be a recurring dislocation.  He should be immediately brought to medical attention.  Care should be exercised though when handling a person with a dislocated elbow.  Any further movement can send waves of pain.  A temporary padded splint can be fashioned to prevent further movement to the shoulders; arm and wrist movement can induce elbow pain.   

The first aid treatment for a dislocated elbow is letting the patient rest, providing ice compress, and elevating the injured elbow to prevent the accumulation of blood flow to the damaged area.  The patient should be kept warm to prevent shock.  The elbow, shoulder, and wrist must be immobilized with padded splints.  As much as possible, the dislocated elbow should never be manipulated.   

A physician will provide a splint for the front and back of the dislocated elbow.  The hind splint will be removed 14 days after the injury while the front splint will be removed a week after.  A sling will replace the splint for a week.  During this period, ice soaks three to four times or heat applications depending on the results on the patient.  Heat lamps, hot showers are convenient to use.  As the elbow joint heals, swelling will also subside. For pain relief, acetaminophen is taken orally.  For severe pain, narcotic pain relievers will be necessary.  If surgery was used to treat the dislocated elbow, a dose of antibiotics will follow to fight infection.  

Before surgery for the dislocated elbow, the patient should drink only water.  Solid food will induce vomiting once general anesthesia will be introduced, and this is dangerous. A well balanced diet during recuperation will speed recovery. Taking vitamin B12 can also soothe and calm painful nerves. 

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