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
Turn your phone into a full-featured Ayurveda clinic
Reference library, prescription studio, classical texts and everyday productivity tools — all in one app. Try Bhishak with a trial subscription; unlock the full experience once you’re in.
Get it on Google Play