Description

• Elbow dislocations are the most common major joint dislocation second to the shoulder and most commonly dislocated joint in children
• Posterior dislocation is the commonest type of elbow dislocation. Other dislocations are postero-medial, postero-lateral, and divergent
• It may be associated with fracture of the medial epicondyle, fracture of the head of the radius, or fracture of the coronoid process of ulna
• Complex elbow dislocations have an associated fracture, while simple elbow dislocations do not 

Types

• Severe pain at the Elbow
• Swelling
• Limited range of motion: Inability to flex or extend the elbow
• Triceps tendon stands prominent (bowstringing of triceps)
• Nerve injury (10% cases)
• Brachial artery injury – very rare 

Investigation

• Examination: Loss of triangular orientation between the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus and the olecranon process of ulna
• X-ray: AP and lateral views - assess joint congruency, especially after attempted reduction
• oblique views- assess for associated per articular fractures
• CT scan – indicated when there is suspicion of complex injury pattern

Treatments

• Reduction
• Immobilization in an above-elbow plaster slab for 3 weeks
• Rehabilitation
• Surgical intervention – complex elbow dislocation

Ayurvedic Treatment

Internal medicines 

• Dhanwanthara Kashaya
• Musthadimarma Kashaya
• Laksha Guggulu
• Gandha Taila

Procedures

• Reduction
• Bandhana to elbow with sling
• Murivenna for external use
• Rehabilitation after 6 weeks of immobilization

Department

Salya Tantra