The elbow is made up of three bones- humerus, radius and ulna. The elbow dislocation happens when any of these bones become separated or knocked out of place. If a person thinks that he/she has a dislocated elbow, he/she should get immediate medical help because dislocation can be very painful, causing the elbow to become unstable and sometimes unable to move. It damages the ligaments of the elbow and can also damage the surrounding muscles, nerves and tendons.

Causes of a dislocated elbow

• When people try to stop a fall with an outstretched hand
• Car accidents
• Sports injuries
• A joint disorder such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome makes joints unusually loose and flexible

Symptoms of a dislocated elbow

A dislocated elbow can be partial or complete. A complete elbow dislocation involves a total separation called a luxation and when the elbow joint is partially dislocated, it is called a subluxation. Doctors also classify elbow dislocations according to where it occurs and the extent of the damage. The 3 types are:

Simple: No major injury to the bone

Complex: Severe injuries to the bone and ligament

Severe: Damage to the blood vessels and nerves around the elbow

The symptoms of a dislocated elbow vary depending on the type of injury and the bones involved. These are the common symptoms-

• Bruising
• Deformed-looking arm (bone looks out of place)
• Weakness in the joint
• Loss of ability to move the elbow
• Pain
• Swelling