Elbow Dislocation

The elbow is a hinge joint between the lower end of the humerus bone in the upper arm and the upper end of the radius and ulnar bones in the lower arm. The arm is bent and rotated at the elbow by the biceps muscles in the upper arm. Ligaments located at the front, back, and sides of the elbow help stabilize the joint.

Elbow dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport.

When a dislocation occurs, the joint can not freely move. Dislocated joints often are swollen, very painful and visibly out of place. If you dislocate a joint, seek medical attention. When properly repositioned, a joint will usually function and move normally again in a few weeks.