Elbow Dislocations & Instability
What are Elbow Dislocations & Instability?
Elbow dislocations occur when the radius and ulna are displaced from their articulation with the humerus, usually following a fall onto an outstretched hand or a high-energy impact. Simple dislocations involve the joint without fracture; complex dislocations involve associated fractures, can significantly increase the risk of instability and the complexity of management.
Elbow instability may also develop without a frank dislocation, as a result of repetitive stress to the elbow ligaments in throwers, ligament laxity or previous ligament injury. Both acute dislocations and chronic instability require specialist rehabilitation to restore elbow stability, movement, strength, to prevent recurrence and long-term joint damage.
What causes Elbow Dislocations & Instability?
- Fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH)
- High-energy trauma in road traffic accidents, contact sports and industrial injuries
- Repetitive elbow ligament stress in overhead throwers
- Previous elbow dislocation with inadequate rehabilitation leading to residual ligament laxity
- Hypermobility syndromes predisposing to recurrent elbow subluxation
Signs & symptoms
- Acute severe pain, deformity and inability to move the elbow following traumatic dislocation
- Swelling and bruising around the elbow joint
- A feeling of the elbow giving way or slipping during activities, indicating chronic instability
- Apprehension with specific elbow movements
- Reduced elbow range of motion following dislocation
- Numbness or tingling in the forearm or hand if associated nerve injury is present
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Elbow Dislocations & Instability. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
Following closed reduction of an acute elbow dislocation, early protected mobilisation is critical. Prolonged immobilisation leads to rapid and severe elbow stiffness. Ms Razo initiates a carefully graded mobilisation programme, within the stable range of movement, to prevent contracture while protecting healing ligaments.
Where the elbow is unstable at certain positions, a custom orthosis is fabricated to protect the healing ligaments while allowing controlled movement within the safe arc.
Complex dislocations and instability requiring surgical ligament repair, radial head replacement or internal fixation need specialist post-operative rehabilitation. Ms Razo works alongside the operating surgeon to progress rehabilitation appropriately for the specific procedure performed.
Progressive upper limb, elbow and forearm strengthening is introduced to restore muscle support to the joint. Functional rehabilitation targets return to sport, overhead activities and work. Additional targeted training is considered for throwers and overhead athletes.
Frequently asked questions
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Simple elbow dislocations managed non-operatively typically recover within 10–12 weeks, though some residual stiffness, particularly loss of the last few degrees of being able to straighten the joint, is common. Complex fracture-dislocations take significantly longer, with recovery following surgical fixation often extending to 6–12 months. The risk of post-traumatic arthritis and chronic stiffness is greater with more complex injuries.
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Full elbow straightening is frequently the last movement to return and is not always fully regained, particularly after complex elbow injuries. The majority of patients regain a functional range of movement sufficient for daily activities and most sports. Early protected mobilisation under specialist guidance gives the best chance of maximising final range of movement.
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Mild to moderate elbow ligament laxity following a simple dislocation can often be managed non-operatively with Hand Therapy interventions. Significant ligament insufficiency causing recurrent giving way, particularly in athletes, is more likely to require surgical ligament reconstruction for a definitive solution.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.