Dislocated Elbow (Slipped E...

Dislocated Elbow (Slipped Elbow) Definition : An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) move out of place compared with the bone of the arm (the humerus). The elbow joint, formed where these three bones meet, becomes dislocated, or out of joint. It's also called nursemaid's elbow or slipped elbow. Facts: •This is common in children under 5 years of age. •Treatment is for the physician to reduce the dislocation •Specific, serious injuries that can accompany elbow dislocation include breaking of the bones (fractures), injuries to the arteries in the arm (the vessels carrying blood to the hand), and injuries to the nerves that run through the elbow area, impairing movement and feeling in the arm and hand. Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Elbow: •Severe pain in the elbow, swelling, and inability to bend the arm are all signs of an elbow dislocation. •In some cases, people may lose feeling in their hand or lose a pulse (can't feel a heartbeat in the wrist). •Arteries and nerves run past the elbow, so it is possible a person might have injured them during the dislocation. Consequently, a nerve injury may result in abnormal sensations or inability of normal distal arm or hand functions below the elbow dislocation. •Children with nursemaid's elbow will not bend their elbow because of pain and hold their arm slightly bent. Causes a Dislocated Elbow: -The cause is usually a fall, most commonly with the arm extended completely. -"Nursemaid's elbow" is a particular type of elbow dislocation that most commonly occurs in young children who have had an abrupt yanking of their forearm. The result is a dislocation of the head of the radius bone at the elbow. It is common in children less than 5 years old. Nonsurgical Treatment: The normal alignment of the elbow can usually be restored in an emergency department at the hospital. Before this is done, sedatives and pain medications usually will be given. The act of restoring alignment to the elbow is called a reduction maneuver. It is done gently and slowly.