Elbow dislocation

Dislocation of elbow

An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) move out of place compared with the bone of the upper arm (the humerus). The elbow joint, formed where these three bones meet, becomes dislocated, or out of joint.

You may have been placed in a temporary back slab (plaster) in A&E and/or given a sling or collar n cuff. This injury takes several months to heal, although you may only require the plaster and/or sling until you see the elbow specialist in fracture clinic.

You will receive a fracture clinic appointment where they will remove the temporary cast and examine your elbow. The specialist will talk you through the next stage of your treatment and rehabilitation.

The aim will be to get your elbow moving as soon as possible without a plaster. You may be referred to physiotherapy to help with early movement of the elbow.

You should:

• Take simple over the counter pain killers as prescribed and seek GP advice if these are not sufficient.
• Sleep propped up with pillows in the initial nights after injury to help you feel more comfortable.

You should not :

• Drive or cycle until you are safe to do so without the sling and cast
• Participate in any contact sports (e.g. Rugby, Netball and Tennis) for three months, to give the joint enough time to recover.
• Stick anything down the cast.
• Miss your appointment with the consultant.

Please remember:

Please contact your GP if your condition is not improving, or if your pain relief is not adequate.

If your condition is worsening please contact the multi professional fracture clinic, call 01223 348299 or call 01223 257095.

For more information please visit Fracture information website (opens in a new tab)