Elbow Dislocation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Elbow Dislocation?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint injuries, treats elbow dislocation. Care usually starts in an emergency room, where a doctor moves the elbow back into place. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is elbow dislocation?
Three bones come together to make up the elbow joint. The humerus is the bone in the upper arm. The radius and the ulna are two bones in the forearm.
In an elbow dislocation, the joint surfaces of these three bones are separated. A dislocation can be complete or partial. In a partial dislocation, the surfaces are only partly separated.
Ligaments are strong bands connected to the bones. They keep the joint together and the bones in line.
A simple dislocation has ligament injuries but no major bone injury. A complex dislocation also has broken bones, called fractures. In the most severe cases, the blood vessels and nerves that cross the elbow may be injured.
Symptoms
A complete elbow dislocation is extremely painful and very obvious. The arm looks deformed and may have an odd twist at the elbow.
Signs of a partial dislocation, also called a subluxation, may include:
- Pain when moving the elbow.
- Bruising on the inside or outside of the elbow.
- A sense of the elbow shifting in and out of place on its own.
Any dislocated joint may be numb or tingly at the joint or beyond it.
Causes and who gets it
Elbow dislocations usually happen after an injury, such as a fall or a car crash.
They typically happen when a person falls onto an outstretched hand.
A dislocation can also happen in a car crash when a passenger reaches forward to brace for impact.
You are at greater risk if you were born with loose ligaments.
Once a joint has been dislocated, it is more likely to happen again.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will check your arm for tenderness, swelling, and a change in shape. The doctor also checks the skin and blood flow, including the pulse at your wrist.
If an artery is injured, the hand will be cool to the touch and may look white or purple. If nerves are injured, some or all of the hand may be numb and not able to move.
X-rays are the best way to confirm that the elbow is dislocated.
If bone detail is hard to see on an X-ray, the doctor may order a CT scan, a detailed X-ray scan. An MRI scan can show the ligaments, but it is rarely required at the time of the dislocation.
Treatment
An elbow dislocation should be considered an emergency injury. The goal of immediate treatment is to return the elbow to its normal alignment.
A doctor can usually do this in an emergency room. You will usually be given sedatives and pain medicine first. Moving the bones back is called a reduction maneuver.
Next, a splint is applied to keep the elbow still. Do not remove the splint until you follow up with a doctor.
A simple dislocation is treated with a splint or sling for 1 to 3 weeks, followed by range of motion exercises. Physical or occupational therapy can help you regain motion without risking a repeat dislocation.
Some people will never be able to fully straighten the arm, even after physical therapy. The elbow can still work very well without full range of motion.
Surgery may be needed if the elbow joint does not stay well aligned. A complex dislocation often needs surgery to restore bone alignment. If blood vessels or nerves are injured, more surgery may be needed to repair them.
If the elbow stays stiff after it has healed, more surgery can improve motion, though usually not to a normal range.
Over time, arthritis is more likely if the bones are not well aligned, the elbow does not move normally, or it keeps dislocating.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or the local emergency number right away for a known or suspected dislocation or broken bone.
Also call right away if the area below the injured joint is pale, cold, clammy, or blue. Call right away for a bone sticking through the skin or severe bleeding.
Do not try to put the bone back in place yourself. After treatment in the emergency room, follow up with an orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint specialist.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. After emergency care, such a doctor can help you keep your follow-up visit with an orthopedic surgeon.
Common questions
Is a dislocated elbow an emergency?
Yes, an elbow dislocation should be considered an emergency injury. Care usually starts in an emergency room.
Can an elbow dislocate again?
Yes, a joint that has been dislocated once is more likely to dislocate again. An elbow that keeps dislocating also raises the risk of arthritis over time.
How long do you wear a splint for a dislocated elbow?
For a simple dislocation, a splint or sling is worn for 1 to 3 weeks.
Will I get full motion back after an elbow dislocation?
Not always, because some people never fully straighten the arm, even after physical therapy. The elbow can still work very well without full range of motion.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
