ELBOW DISLOCATION

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 

Etiology

  • Fall on an outstretched hand
  • RTA -elbow dislocations are the most common major joint dislocation second to the shoulder
  • High impact trauma to the elbow

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

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