What is an Elbow Dislocation?
A dislocation of any joint is when the joint comes out of place. In the case of the elbow, the most common type of dislocation is a posterior dislocation. This occurs when the ulna moves posterior or backwards when compared to the humerus. The most common cause for this type of dislocation is a fall on an outstretched arm. Another type of dislocation occurs in young children. When a child, usually under the age of 5, is lifted up by the wrist, tension on the elbow can allow the radius to become separated from the rest of the elbow. This type of dislocation is commonly referred to as a pulled elbow. When the elbow is dislocated, injury to the ligaments around the elbow also occurs. The ligaments function to provide stability to the joint thus when the joint becomes disrupted, so have the ligaments.
