Elbow dislocation: Difference between revisions

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*Swelling may be severe
*Swelling may be severe


==Diangosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
*Imaging
{{Elbow DDX}}
**Look for associated fractures (esp of coronoid and radial head)
**Lateral: both ulna and radius are displaced posteriorly
**AP: lateral or medial displacement w/ ulna/radius in their normal relationship


==Diagnosis==
[[File:Elbow dislocation lateral.jpg|thumb|Lateral view]]
[[File:Elbow dislocation lateral.jpg|thumb|Lateral view]]
[[File:Elbow dislocation AP.jpg|thumb|AP view]]
[[File:Elbow dislocation AP.jpg|thumb|AP view]]
 
*Imaging
==Differential Diagnosis==
**Look for associated fractures (especially of coronoid and radial head)
{{Elbow DDX}}
**Lateral: both ulna and radius are displaced posteriorly
**AP: lateral or medial displacement with ulna/radius in their normal relationship


==Treatment==
==Treatment==
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdrfY3K7yR4 Reduction Videos]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdrfY3K7yR4 Reduction Videos]


==Source==
==References==
Tintinalli


[[Category:Ortho]]
[[Category:Ortho]]

Revision as of 11:26, 17 November 2015

Background

  • Usually due to FOOSH
  • 90% are posterolateral
  • Median and ulnar nerves may be injured
  • "Terrible Triad" injury describes unstable joint consisting of:
    • Elbow dislocation
    • Radial head fracture
    • Coronoid fracture

Clinical Features

  • Elbow held in 45 degree of flexion; olecranon is prominent posteriorly
  • Swelling may be severe

Differential Diagnosis

Elbow Diagnoses

Radiograph-Positive

Radiograph-Negative

Pediatric

Diagnosis

Lateral view
AP view
  • Imaging
    • Look for associated fractures (especially of coronoid and radial head)
    • Lateral: both ulna and radius are displaced posteriorly
    • AP: lateral or medial displacement with ulna/radius in their normal relationship

Treatment

  • Reduce via longitudinal traction on wrist/forearm w/ downward pressure on forearm
  • Immobilize in long arm posterior mold w/ elbow in slightly less than 90deg flexion

Disposition

  • Obtain emergent consult for irreducible dislocations, NV compromise, associated fx
  • Simple dislocation requires ortho f/u within 1 week

See Also

References