Elbow Dislocations

In brief

Clinically, diagnosing elbow dis-brief location is not difficult, although a supracondylar fracture of the humerus can mimic an elbow dislocation in a young patient. Fractures are common with elbow dislocations; neurovascular injury is uncommon but potentially disastrous if unrecognized. A careful neurovascular examination, therefore, is imperative both before and after reduction. Most dislocations can be treated nonoperatively with emphasis on early motion during rehabilitation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Douglas F. Hoffman

Dr Hoffman is director of sports medicine at Physicians Plus Medical Group, Madison, Wisconsin, and a clinical instructor of family practice at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School. He is a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Robert J. Johnson

Dr Johnson is the coordinator of Primary Care Sports Medicine in the Department of Family Practice at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, and an editorial board member of the physician and sportsmedicine.