Upper limb injuries: Elbow dislocation

Epidemiology

• 2nd most common large joint dislocation in the adult population after shoulder dislocation
• Most commonly posterolateral

• Posterior dislocations typically occur following a fall onto an extended arm

• Simple: no associated fracture
• Complex: dislocation with associated fracture

• Radial head fracture most common -10% of dislocations
• Coronoid process fracture
• Terrible triad: elbow dislocation associated with a LCL complex tear, radial head fracture, and coronoid tip fracture
• Rarely brachial artery injury encountered with fracture dislocations

• In simple dislocations closed reduction and a brief period of immobilisation in a sling are usually sufficient for good outcomes
• Complex dislocations typically require operative management