“Does a dislocated elbow require surgery?”
I am a 34 year old male. I want to know if a dislocated elbow requires surgery?
10 Answers
No it usually does not. Was the elbow reduced (put back in place) with only minimal anesthesia and how far out are you from the dislocation?
Were there any fractures associated with the dislocation ?
Were there any fractures associated with the dislocation ?
If it is treated immediately, it can usually be relocated by manipulating the joint. However if there is delay in the treatment or diagnosis surgery may be required.
There are 2 primary types of elbow dislocation, simple and complex. Simple dislocations do not involve any fractures. Often these are managed nonsurgically if they remain stable after reduction. Complex dislocations(involving fractures of coronoid, radial head or olecranon) or simple dislocations that dislocate again after reduction will often need surgical stabilization.
If the elbow is stable, the primary focus is regaining motion. If it is unstable, you must stabilize it (surgically) and then mobilize it to avoid a stiff and painful joint.
If the elbow is stable, the primary focus is regaining motion. If it is unstable, you must stabilize it (surgically) and then mobilize it to avoid a stiff and painful joint.
This depends on the degree of instability of the elbow following the dislocation. After the dislocation is reduced(put back in place) the stability is checked and if relatively stable then bracing is all that is necessary and sometimes therapy. If the elbow is very unstable then usually a confirmatory MRI Is helpful in Pre operative planning. If any fracture is present along with instability then surgery usually will give you the best result.. Good luck.
Usually not. See specialist.
No always. Many times it can be treated in a splint for 2-3 weeks (once reduced of course) and then with gradual motion. Sometimes there may be bone fragments or soft tissue in the joint, and this would require surgery.
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Usually, first time dislocation without fracture does not.
I would say that more times than not, you will not require surgery. The elbow has a tendency to get stiff, so physical therapy will likely be required. If there is a fracture along with the dislocation, it is common to require surgery to address both problems.
A dislocated elbow should be first put back in place immediately. This is often done in the emergency room under sedation. Once the elbow is reduced, it is immobilized in a splint and sling for a week to 10 days then range of motion is started. Most people will not require any further surgery on their elbow as long as they regain their motion and there are no other significant ligament injuries or fractures.
Sometimes if the ligaments are severely damaged or there is a fracture, which is common in adults, but not in infants.
Christopher B. Michelsen, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS
Christopher B. Michelsen, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS
