A case of elbow dislocation

Abstract

The elbow joint is a stable joint and a significant force is required to disrupt the joint. The elbow joint is the second most commonly dislocated joint. A 29 years old male sustained a fall on outstretched hand and presented with pain, swelling , deformity and inability to move his Right elbow. Closed Reduction was done followed by immobilisation for 3 weeks and thereafter range of movement exercises of the elbow joint. Neurovascular complications , associated fracture around the elbow joint and instability of the joint should be looked for. Associated fractures which are difficult to see on plain X Rays can go for Computerized tomography and unstable fractures where damage to the ligamentous complex is suspected should undergo an Magnetic Resonance imaging study of the involved joint.