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Signs and symptoms of a dislocated elbow commonly include:

• Extreme pain
• Obvious distortion of the joint

In some cases, the elbow may be only partially dislocated, which can cause bruising and pain where the ligaments were stretched or torn.

When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has experienced a dislocated elbow.

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

In adults, the most common causes of a dislocated elbow include:

• Falls. Falling onto an outstretched hand can pop the upper arm bone out of alignment within the elbow joint.
• Motor vehicle accidents. The same type of impact can occur when passengers in motor vehicle accidents reach forward to brace themselves before a collision.

In young children, the injury often occurs when an extra pulling motion is applied to an outstretched arm. Examples include:

• Improper lifting. Trying to lift or swing a young child by the arms can cause the elbow to dislocate.
• Unexpected drops. Having the child suddenly step off a curb or stairstep as you're holding his or her hand can pull the elbow out of alignment.

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

• Age. The elbows of young children are much more flexible than those of adults, so it's easier for younger elbows to become dislocated.
• Sex. Dislocated elbows occur more commonly in males than in females.
• Heredity. Some people are born with elbow ligaments that are looser than those of most people.
• Sports participation. Many elbow dislocations occur during participation in sports such as gymnastics, wrestling, basketball and football.

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

Complications of a dislocated elbow may include:

• Pinched nerves. Nerves that travel across the elbow can become pinched or trapped between the dislocated bones or within the joint when the bones are realigned correctly. This can cause numbness in the arm and hand.
• Trapped arteries. Blood vessels that feed the arm and hand can become pinched or trapped between the dislocated bones, or within the realigned joint. A lack of blood supply can cause severe pain and permanent tissue damage in the arm and hand.
• Avulsion fractures. In some elbow dislocations, a stretched ligament will pull off a tiny bit of bone from its attachment point. This type of damage is more common in children because the ends of their bones are softer because they're still growing.
• Osteoarthritis. The dislocated joint may be at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future.

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

If you or your child has a dislocated elbow, you'll probably seek medical attention in a hospital's emergency department or at an urgent care center. If the injury involves broken bones, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon.

What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to write a list that answers the following questions:

• How did this injury occur?
• Has this elbow ever been dislocated before?
• Are there any underlying medical conditions?
• What drugs or supplements do you or your child take?

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will carefully examine the injured joint and check to see if the arm or hand is cold or numb, which would indicate entrapment of an artery or nerve. He or she will probably try to maneuver the bones back into place — after looking at X-rays to make sure there are no broken bones in the joint.

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

Imaging exams that may be used include:

• X-rays. X-rays employ a small amount of radiation to produce clear images of bones. They are helpful in determining how the bones are lying and whether any of them have been broken by the impact that caused the dislocated elbow.
• Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan can visualize both bones and soft tissues such as the ligaments that bind the joint together. A CT scan uses X-ray images taken from many different directions to create cross-sectional views of internal structures.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If more detail is needed, your doctor may suggest an MRI. This technology uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce very detailed images of bones and soft tissues.

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

Some dislocated elbows go back into place by themselves. Most, however, need a doctor to manipulate the bones back into their proper alignment. This procedure is called a reduction.

Medications
Before the bones are manipulated back into place, you or your child may be given medications to relieve your pain and to help you relax.

Therapy
After the joint's bones are back in their normal alignment, you or your child may have to wear a splint or sling for a few weeks. You may also need to do physical therapy exercises to improve the joint's range of motion and strength.

Surgery
Surgery may be required if:

• Any of the dislocated bones have also been broken
• Torn ligaments need to be reattached
• Damaged nerves or blood vessels require repair

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

In children, dislocated elbows — sometimes known as nursemaids' elbow — may be prevented if adults avoid lifting or swinging the child by the arms.

©1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.