Elbow dislocation March 2018 | by EMauthor •Suspect clinically with any gross deformity and swelling after an elbow injury •Give adequate analgesia before x-ray, this should be intravenous opiate titrated to the patient’s need •Assess and document neurovascular function before and after reduction •The most common type is the posterior dislocation •Radiographs are the standard AP and lateral views of the elbow, look carefully for associated fractures Management •Seek senior help for reduction oBasically longitudinal traction +/- posterior force •Reduce under iv sedation and monitoring (may require GA if failed and should be referred urgently) •After reduction, put in above elbow back slab •If stable can be discharged with fracture clinic follow up •Dislocation with fracture, refer urgently to orthopaedics Key point: delay in manipulation will increase the difficulty in reduction, so treat urgently. |
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