Anterior Elbow Dislocation

The elbow is among the most frequently dislocated large joints and represents the most commonly dislocated large joint in the pediatric population; however, anterior elbow dislocations are rare injuries in both adults and children. On a basic level, the elbow is comprised of the articulation between the distal humerus with the proximal radius and ulna. Elbow dislocations are described by the direction of the proximal ulna relative to the humerus. Therefore, an anterior dislocation is described as a proximal ulna being forced anterior to the distal humerus with or without the proximal radius. The mechanism of an anterior elbow dislocation is usually a fall on a flexed elbow with anterior force on the proximal ulna. An elbow dislocation can be categorized as simple or complex based on whether or not a fracture is present. A simple dislocation involves injury to ligamentous or capsular structures, whereas complex dislocations include fractures of the surrounding bony structures. Anterior elbow dislocations are commonly termed complex due to their high association with fractures. Management of elbow dislocations should be an immediate closed reduction and stabilization. Operative fixation is usually required if the patient has recurrent instability, fracture, or neurovascular compromise.