(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907

Elbow Conditions

Elbow Dislocation and Instability

Dislocation and instability: causes, symptoms and treatment options

Elbow dislocation occurs when the bones that form the elbow joint move out of their normal alignment. The elbow joint is formed by the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). When these bones lose their normal position, the elbow may become unstable, painful and difficult to move.

Elbow dislocations most commonly occur following trauma, such as falls or sporting injuries. In some cases, ongoing ligament injury may lead to recurrent elbow instability, where the joint feels loose, unreliable or prone to repeated dislocation or subluxation.

Early assessment and appropriate treatment are important to restore stability, function and long-term joint health.

On this page, learn about:

1. What causes elbow dislocation and instability?

Elbow dislocation usually occurs when significant force is applied to the arm, causing the joint to move beyond its normal range of motion.
Common causes include:
  • Falls onto an outstretched hand
  • Contact or collision sporting injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • High-energy trauma
  • Twisting injuries to the arm
The stability of the elbow relies on several structures, including:
  • Ligaments that connect the bones and stabilise the joint
  • The joint capsule
  • The surrounding muscles and tendons
  • The shape of the joint surfaces
When these stabilising structures are stretched or torn, elbow instability may occur.

2. Types of elbow dislocation

Simple Elbow Dislocation

A simple dislocation occurs when the elbow joint dislocates without associated fractures. Although the bones remain intact, the ligaments and capsule surrounding the elbow are usually injured. Simple dislocations are the most common type and may recover well with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

Complex Elbow Dislocation

A complex dislocation involves both joint dislocation and fracture of one or more bones around the elbow. These injuries are more severe and often require surgical treatment to restore joint alignment and stability.

3. What is elbow instability?

Elbow instability refers to ongoing looseness or abnormal movement of the elbow joint following ligament injury or previous dislocation.

Instability may cause:

Recurrent dislocations

Partial slipping of the joint (subluxation)

A feeling that the elbow may “give way” during movement

Elbow instability can significantly affect function and may increase the risk of cartilage damage and long-term arthritis if untreated.

4. Symptoms of elbow dislocation and instability

Symptoms vary depending on injury severity and whether instability develops.
Common symptoms include:
  • Severe elbow pain following injury
  • Visible deformity of the elbow joint
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Inability to move the elbow normally
  • A feeling of looseness or instability
  • Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
  • Weakness or reduced arm strength
In some cases, nerve or blood vessel injury may occur, causing numbness, tingling, or changes in circulation, which require urgent medical assessment.

5. How elbow dislocation and instability is diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging

Accurate diagnosis helps determine the severity of injury and guides treatment planning.

Detailed injury history

Physical examination assessing stability, movement, and nerve function

X-rays to confirm joint alignment and identify fractures

CT scan to assess bone injury in greater detail

MRI to evaluate ligament, tendon, and cartilage injury

6. Non-surgical treatment for elbow dislocation

Many simple elbow dislocations can be treated without surgery once the joint has been relocated into its correct position.
Non-operative treatment may include:
  • Immediate reduction of the dislocation
  • Short-term immobilisation using a splint or brace
  • Gradual introduction of controlled movement
  • Physiotherapy to restore range of motion, strength, and stability
  • Activity modification during recovery
Early guided movement is often encouraged to reduce stiffness and support recovery, while still protecting healing ligaments.

7. When elbow dislocation surgery may be recommended

Surgical treatment may be considered when:
  • The elbow remains unstable after reduction
  • There are associated fractures
  • Ligament injuries prevent joint stability
  • Recurrent dislocations occur
  • There is significant functional limitation

8. Surgical treatment options for elbow instability

Ligament Repair or Reconstruction

Surgery may involve repairing or reconstructing damaged ligaments to restore elbow stability. This may be performed using sutures, anchors, or tendon grafts, depending on the injury pattern.

When fractures occur with dislocation, surgery may be required to stabilise broken bones using plates, screws, or other fixation techniques.

In selected cases, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be used to assess and treat ligament injury, remove loose fragments, or address associated joint damage.

Dr Richard Dallalana will determine the most appropriate surgical approach based on your injury severity, imaging findings, and functional requirements.

9. Recovery and rehabilitation after elbow dislocation

Recovery following elbow dislocation depends on injury severity and treatment approach.
Rehabilitation typically involves:
  • Early controlled movement to reduce stiffness
  • Progressive strengthening exercises
  • Gradual return to daily activities
  • Staged return to sport or heavy work
Elbow stiffness is a recognised risk after dislocation, and carefully guided rehabilitation is important to optimise recovery. Recovery timelines vary but may range from several weeks for simple injuries to several months for complex injuries or surgical treatment.

10. Choosing the right treatment for elbow instability

Management decisions are based on multiple factors, including:  
  • Severity of ligament injury
  • Presence of fractures or cartilage damage
  • Risk of recurrent instability
  • Occupational and sporting demands
  • Individual recovery goals
Dr Richard Dallalana provides comprehensive assessment of elbow dislocation and instability to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway for each patient.

11. When to see a specialist for elbow dislocation or instability

You may benefit from specialist assessment if you experience:
  • Elbow dislocation or suspected dislocation
  • Recurrent elbow instability or looseness
  • Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Difficulty returning to work or sport
  • Weakness or altered sensation in the arm

Early assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and support appropriate treatment and recovery planning.

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