Elbow Dislocation

An elbow dislocation can be complete or partial and occur when the joint surfaces of the elbow become separated. This usually occurs due to trauma, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or accident. In a complete dislocation, the joint surfaces are completely separated. In a partial dislocation (also called a subluxation), the joint surfaces are only partly separated.

If the injury is simple (consisting of a dislocation with no associated fracture or severe ligament injury), nonsurgical treatment is often possible to realign the elbow and restore movement. If a complex dislocation is present (involving further injuries to the elbow, such as fractures or ligament damage), surgical treatment will likely be necessary.