Restoring Function. Embracing Life.
Elbow Dislocation Specialist in Singapore
Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada | With over 15-years of experience
What is Elbow Dislocation?
Elbow dislocation is a traumatic injury that occurs when the bones of the elbow joint are forced out of their normal positions due to a sudden impact, fall, or other high-energy event. It's a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. Here's a detailed overview of elbow dislocation injury.
Types of Elbow Dislocations:
Posterior Dislocation: This is the most common type, where the forearm bones (radius and ulna) are pushed backward in relation to the upper arm bone (humerus).
Anterior Dislocation: In this less common type, the forearm bones are forced forward in relation to the humerus.
Lateral Dislocation: The forearm bones are pushed to the side of the humerus, resulting in a dislocated elbow.
Some of the causes of Elbow Dislocation:
Falls onto an outstretched hand.
Direct impact to the elbow, such as in contact sports or accidents.
High-energy traumas like motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height.
What are the symptoms?
Immediate and severe pain at the time of injury.
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the elbow joint.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the elbow.
Limited or complete loss of movement in the elbow.
Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the hand or fingers due to potential nerve involvement.
How to Diagnose?
Dr Bryan will perform a physical examination and may order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the dislocation.
Elbow Dislocation Treatment options
What are my Treatment options?
If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
Conservative Treatment
Emergency Care: Seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment. Do not attempt to manipulate the joint back into place on your own.
Closed Reduction: In most cases, the dislocated joint needs to be manually manipulated back into its proper position through a procedure called closed reduction. This is often performed under anesthesia to relax the muscles and minimize pain.
Immobilisation: After the dislocation is reduced, the elbow is typically immobilised with a splint, cast, or brace to allow healing.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is crucial during the recovery period. It helps restore joint range of motion, strength, and function. Gradual exercises and stretches are introduced to prevent stiffness and promote healing.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, surgery may be necessary if the elbow remains unstable despite the immobilisation.
Stop your elbow pain. Take the first step towards recovery by scheduling an appointment with our Elbow Dislocation Specialist today.
Conditions We Treat
We are dedicated to help you achieve your goals. Our scope of treatment encompasses sports-related injuries, fractures and degenerative conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Our goal is to restore function, alleviate pain and improve the quality of life of our patients. Below are some of the conditions we treat.
