Dislocation of the elbow

Luxación de codoLuxación de codo

This type of dislocation occurs most frequently in the second decade of life. The separation between the arm and forearm is common in sports, especially sports that may cause impact on the hand with the elbow in extension.

The injury not only affects the bone but the ligamentous and neurovascular structures so it requires a careful exam in the emergency room to diagnose the degree of impairment and proper treatment.

Relocation of the elbow into its anatomic position is essential through a gentle traction that sometimes may need general anesthesia. There are cases that joint congruity after the reduction of the dislocation is not maintained (unstable joint) and it may be necessary to reinforce the joint stability with surgery.