Doctor's Notes on 3 First Aid Tips for A Dislocated Elb
A dislocated elbow occurs when the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) become separated from the bone of the upper arm (the humerus). Injuries that can accompany elbow dislocation include broken bones (fractures), injuries to the arteries in the arm, and injuries to the nerves that run through the elbow area.
Symptoms of dislocated elbow include severe pain in the elbow, swelling, and an inability to bend the arm. Other symptoms dislocated elbow may include loss of feeling in the hand or the inability to feel the pulse in the wrist. Nerves may also be injured when an elbow is dislocated and this may result in symptoms including abnormal sensations or inability of normal arm or hand functions below the elbow dislocation. Children can get an “elbow dislocation” (called nursemaid's elbow) of the forearm bones that is minor, and results from laxity of the elbow ligaments. A child with a nursemaid’s elbow will not bend their elbow because of pain and hold their arm slightly bent.3 First Aid Tips for A Dislocated Elb Symptoms
- Severe pain in the elbow, swelling, and inability to bend the arm are all signs of an elbow dislocation.
- In some cases, people may lose feeling in their hand or lose a pulse (can't feel a heartbeat in the wrist).
- Arteries and nerves run past the elbow, so it is possible a person might have injured them during the dislocation. Consequently, a nerve injury may result in abnormal sensations or inability of normal distal arm or hand functions below the elbow dislocation.
- Children with nursemaid's elbow will not bend their elbow because of pain and hold their arm slightly bent.
3 First Aid Tips for A Dislocated Elb Causes
The cause of most elbow dislocations is usually a fall, most commonly with the arm extended completely. However, any traumatic injury (such as a car crash or fall skiing) can result in an elbow dislocation.
"Nursemaid's elbow" is a particular type of elbow dislocation that most commonly occurs in young children who have had an abrupt yanking of their forearm. The result is a dislocation of the head of the radius bone at the elbow. It is common in children less than 5 years old.
Sports Injuries Types, Treatments, and Prevention Slideshow
Sports injuries are injuries that occur when engaging in sports or exercise. Sports injuries can occur due to overtraining, lack of conditioning, and improper form or technique. Failing to warm up increases the risk of sports injuries. Bruises, strains, sprains, tears, and broken bones can result from sports injuries. Soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and bursae may be affected. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is another potential type of sports injury.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.