They require careful assessment with radiographs and CT, because every injured element — bone and ligament — must be identified in order to plan a complete repair. Leaving one component untreated is the commonest cause of a poor result.
Treatment is almost always surgical and aims to restore stability by repairing or reconstructing each damaged structure: fixing or replacing the radial head, repairing the coronoid and the ligaments. The goal, again, is an elbow that is stable and can be moved early. Sometimes a hinged external fixator is added to protect the repair while movement begins.
Dr. Kushner’s approach: in a complex elbow you cannot treat just one part; stability has to be returned to the whole construct. Recognising and repairing every component is what allows a stable, functional elbow.
Cases treated by Dr. Kushner
Radiographs from real cases treated by Dr. Kushner (de-identified images, used with consent).
Signs that mean going to the emergency department
- Obvious deformity of the wrist, forearm or elbow after the fall.
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, or difficulty moving them.
- A cold, pale or bluish hand or fingers.
- Pain that increases despite ice, elevation and painkillers.
- An open wound, or swelling that grows quickly with tight skin.
Frequently asked questions
Why is an elbow dislocation so serious?
Because when there are also fractures and torn ligaments, the elbow is left unstable and tends to dislocate again unless everything is reconstructed.
Does movement come back?
The aim is a stable, mobile elbow; it requires complete surgery and early, consistent rehabilitation.
What is an elbow fracture-dislocation?
It is a dislocation accompanied by fractures, with injury to the stabilisers of the elbow. Reducing the dislocation is not enough: stability has to be restored so that it does not dislocate again.
Why is surgery needed so soon?
Because an unstable elbow does not tolerate delay: it stiffens and the structures retract. Early, well-planned management gives the best results.
Will I regain full movement?
In complex injuries some limitation is usual, especially in full extension. With stable fixation and early rehabilitation most patients achieve a functional elbow.
References
Book your assessment
Book a consultation with Dr. Kushner at COMEDSA. Bring any previous imaging for a complete assessment.
Educational information reviewed by Dr. Michael Kushner Shrem. It does not replace an in-person medical assessment.