Elbow Dislocation Treatment Guidelines Handout

Elbow dislocations typically occur due to a forceful impact on the elbow joint, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the elbow.

Clinical assessment involves evaluating the patient's history, conducting a thorough physical examination, assessing neurovascular status, and ordering appropriate imaging studies such as X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and assess for associated injuries.

Depending on associated fractures or soft tissue injuries, elbow dislocations can be classified as simple or complex. Posterior dislocations are most common, but anterior dislocations can also occur.