Causes and symptoms of dislocation of the elbow joint - treatment

The dislocation of the elbow joint is a process in which a dislocation (displacement relative to the normal position) of the radial and ulna occurs. This injury is the most common type of limb injury. This is due to the active movement of the hands and the impact of physical exertion on them. In the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 dislocation of the elbow joint is assigned to the code S53.

• Classification
• Causes and symptoms
• First aid
• Methods of diagnosis
• Methods of treatment
• Healing Fitness
• Massage and physiotherapy
• Application of compresses and ointments
• Treatment of dislocation in children
• Possible complications and prognosis

Important! The human elbow has a complex structure and consists of the radial, ulnar and humerus bone. This device creates high strength and allows the forearm to move in different directions and axes.

Classification

Depending on the complexity of the lesion, there are two types of elbow dislocation:

• incomplete or subluxation (presence of partial contact between the bone surface);
• complete (absolute dissociation of articular surfaces).

Depending on the direction of the displacement:

• front view;
• back view;
• side view.

In medicine, dislocations of a pathological, habitual and open appearance are distinguished. The first kind happens due to ailments of muscles and joints. The habitual appearance is formed due to the weakening of the apparatus of the ligaments, in which, under the influence of the slightest load, the joint surfaces are displaced. It is rare. With an open appearance, a dislocation of the ulnar head dislocates, disrupting the integrity of the soft tissues and skin, leaving the head of the bone outward.

The elbow joint is surrounded by ligaments, vessels and nerve endings, which can be damaged by the application of strong physical influence. There is a risk of their rupture. Fractures and dislocations are simultaneously called fractures.

Causes and symptoms

There are several causes of damage:

• indirect trauma (the area of ​​force action is far from the damaged joint);
• direct impact (application of force directly to the joint);
• pulling a random character (for this reason, the dislocation occurs mostly in a child up to the age of three).

Symptoms of elbow dislocation:

• unbearable pain at the site of the dislocation or along the entire arm;
• swelling and redness;
• lack of joint mobility;
• loss of sensitivity;
• damage to the integrity of the joint capsule;
• deformation of the joint area (the head of the bone protruding under the skin);
• palpation of the head of the bone;
• unnatural bending of the hand;
• body temperature above normal;
• state of chill;
• numbness and tingling in the lesion site.

This symptomatology is an occasion for urgent treatment in the hospital.

First aid

So what to do when getting a dislocation? After receiving an injury, you need to contact a traumatologist. But to prevent complications, it is important to provide immediate first aid:

• create a limb of the limb and apply a cold object;
• call an ambulance or take the victim to the emergency room.

Important! During the first aid during dislocation, try not to cause harm. It is forbidden to manually insert the joint and move the injured limb. How to correct the dislocation correctly, the medical specialist knows.

Methods of diagnosis

To determine the damage received, the traumatologist conducts an examination and a series of examinations. Initially, the doctor pays attention to external signs:

1. Checks the pulse on the injured hand and compares it with the value of the indicator on a healthy limb.
2. Checks the violation of blood supply by pressing on each nail plate in turn. Normally, they lighten after pressing, and after a couple of seconds the normal pink color returns.
3. Checks the functioning of the nerves. To check the radial nerve it is necessary to bend the wrist in the wrist. The work of the ulnar nerve is checked by the dilution of the fingers on the sides. The medial nerve is checked using the thumb and little finger.
4. Tests the skin for sensitivity.
5. Detects the displaced articular head in accordance with the classification.

After the examination, instrumental diagnostics is carried out, which includes:

• radiography;
• arteriogram (x-ray of vessels on contrast) or ultrasound;
• examination by a neurologist (determination of motor ability, application of electromyography).

Based on the results of the examinations, a diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is prescribed. Dislocation of the arm in the elbow joint is subject to mandatory correction and immobilization.

Methods of treatment

After all the examinations, inpatient treatment is prescribed, lasting about a week. Treatment procedures include:

• premedication (use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and soothing drugs with intravenous or intramuscular route of administration);
• relocation (the method of correcting the dislocation depends on the type of dislocation and is performed under local or general anesthesia);
• surgical intervention in cases of violation of the integrity of the nerves, vessels or joint capsule;
• immobilization (fixation of a sick elbow to prevent movement).

Treatment immediately after repositioning is the fixation of the gypsum splint with arms from the middle of the shoulder to the wrist. Such immobilization allows healing of damaged cartilaginous tissue. How to wear gypsum, determines the doctor. Usually the duration is 5 - 7 days. It is allowed at this time to perform simple finger movements to maintain blood flow in the hand and prevent tissue necrosis.

Important! In case of serious injuries and trauma to the nerve endings, the appropriate specialist is engaged in treatment.

The main treatment begins after the removal of gypsum and is directed to the development of the joint. With a long time in the cast, a blood circulation disorder may occur and partial atrophy may occur. This phenomenon is expressed in that the elbow joint does not unbend after dislocation. What to do with such a deviation and how to develop a hand after the dislocation?

Restoration of the full functionality of the elbow is carried out at the expense of a complex of measures:

• exercise physical culture and swimming;
• massage sessions;
• regular visits to physiotherapy;
• regular use of reconstructive baths, compresses and ointments.

Healing Fitness

Physiotherapy is a set of exercises to restore the amplitude of the movement of the hand. Performing special twists and turns of the injured limb, classes with a stick, a ball are mandatory restorative measures. Performing exercise is better under the supervision of a physiotherapist, and if there is no such possibility, then independently, but strictly according to his instructions. There are rules for carrying out exercise therapy during dislocation, which should be followed:

• increase the intensity of physical activity gradually;
• movements should not cause pain.

For each case, the doctor selects a suitable set of exercises with the necessary load and intensity.

Important! It is allowed to swim 3 or 4 weeks after the removal of gypsum. When swimming, the hand is restored more quickly.

Massage and physiotherapy

Massage helps increase the flow of blood to the damaged joint. This contributes to the receipt of the necessary substances. Massage reduces inflammation and restores the joint. Electrophoresis sessions relieve pain and edema. Under the influence of heat, the joint becomes less constrained, the blood flow and lymph flow normalizes.

Application of compresses and ointments

Outer ointments and compresses saturate articular tissue with active substances through the skin. Drugs local effects are almost not absorbed into the bloodstream and rarely give side effects. With the help of ointments can remove pain, reduce puffiness, prevent the formation of an inflammatory process and accelerate recovery. There are several types:

• anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects (Ibuprofen, Voltaren, Diclofenac, Naise);
• warming action (Capsicum, Finalgon, Apizarthron);
• combined (Allantoin).

With hematomas and bruises for resorption appoint Heparin, Troxevasin, Troxerutin.

Thanks to the means of traditional medicine, tissues are restored. Compresses are applied that are made on the basis of hot milk, alcohol propolis, onion or wormwood.

Treatment of dislocation in children

When the child complains of severe pain and discomfort in the hand, parents should immediately examine the limb. In the presence of symptoms of dislocation of the elbow joint in children should immediately seek help from a doctor. Treatment at home is not permissible. The adult should immobilize the injured hand of the child, and place the package with a cold filling on the damage site. Older children are allowed to take an analgesic drug.

Before directing the dislocation, the doctor determines the type of damage. After the placement of the joint, X-rays are taken to its place, which verifies the contact of the elbow joint surfaces with each other. With complex damage, surgery is performed with further overlapping of the tires. The final stage is the rehabilitation period.

Possible complications and prognosis

Negative consequences and complications after dislocation can be avoided if timely medical assistance is received. The prognosis is favorable in the absence of damage to large vessels and nerves. The most common consequences of dislocation of the elbow joint include a decrease in its mobility and osteoarthrosis. With proper treatment and rehabilitation in the near future, the patient will return to the old way of life, and the hand will recover to normal state.