Elbow Dislocation

An An Radial head replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or fractured radial head (the top part of the radius bone near the elbow) is replaced with an artificial implant. It is one of the most common types of joint dislocations after the shoulder and can range from simple (without bone fracture) to complex (with associated fractures or ligament damage).

Types of Elbow Dislocations

• Simple Dislocation – bones are displaced but there are no fractures.
• Complex Dislocation – bones are displaced along with fractures around the elbow joint.
• Partial (Subluxation) – bones are partially out of alignment but not fully dislocated.
• Complete Dislocation – bones are completely out of their normal position.

Causes

• Falling on an outstretched hand
• Sports injuries (especially in gymnastics, football, or wrestling)
• Direct trauma, such as a car or bike accident
• Sudden twisting of the arm

Symptoms

• Severe pain around the elbow
• Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the elbow
• Swelling and bruising
• Inability to bend or straighten the arm
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers (if nerves are affected)

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment (for simple dislocations)

• Closed Reduction – gently repositioning the bones back into place
• Immobilization with a splint or sling for a short period
• Pain relief medication
• Physiotherapy after healing to restore motion and strength

Surgical Treatment (for complex dislocations)

• Surgery may be required if there are fractures, torn ligaments, or if the dislocation is unstable.
• Procedures may include internal fixation with screws/plates or ligament repair/reconstruction.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

• Simple dislocations may heal within 3–6 weeks with proper care.
• Complex dislocations may take several months for complete recovery.
• Early physiotherapy is crucial to prevent stiffness and regain elbow mobility.

Possible Complications

• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Recurrent dislocations (instability)
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Post-traumatic arthritis