Elbow Dislocation

Question 1

Which direction does the elbow most commonly dislocate?

Answer 1

posterolaterally; second most common joint dislocation (MC is shoulder)

Question 2

During an elbow dislocation where does the LCL most commonly fail?

Answer 2

Avulsed from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus

Question 3

How are simple (no fracture) elbow dislocations managed?

Answer 3

Stable with extension: splint at 90° for 7 days then early AROM
Unstable: place in hinged elbow brace at 90° for 2-3 weeks

Question 4

What is the reduction maneuver for an elbow dislocation?

Answer 4

1) Inline traction
2) Supinate the forearm to clear the trochlea
3) Flex the elbow with P-A pressure on the olecranon

Splint in pronation mostly (LCL ruptured) x 7 days
Splint in supination if MCL ruptured

Question 5

What is the most common sequelae after closed treatment of a simple elbow dislocation?

Answer 5

Loss of terminal extension

Question 6

What additional injuries along with an elbow dislocation is commonly associated with varus posteromedial rotatory instability?

Answer 6

Anteromedial facet fracture and LCL injury

Question 7

What is normal ROM and functional ROM of the elbow?

Answer 7

Normal: 0 to 150 degrees flexion, 85 degrees supination, and 80 degrees pronation.
Functional: 100-degree arc, 30 to 130 degrees flexion, 50 degrees supination, and 50 degrees pronation.

Question 8

Following an elbow dislocation, instability with what degree of flexion is a relative surgical indication?

Answer 8

Instability at more than 30° elbow flexion