Emergency Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Evaluation and Management of Adult Elbow Dislocations in the Emergency Department

Benjamin W Sears and Lisa M Spear

In the adult population, the elbow is the second most commonly dislocated major joint in the body. The majority of elbow dislocations without an associated periarticular fracture can be managed with acute closed reduction. However, a dislocation with an associated intraarticular loose body or periarticular fracture may compromise the ability to maintain joint reduction in the initial setting. The purpose of this article is to review the evaluation and management of dislocation of the adult elbow in the emergency department.