The elbow is complex joint that is held together by strong ligaments.
As a result of a traumatic event the ligaments can be torn and the elbow joint can become dislocated. This injury pattern is initially treated with a reduction of the elbow joint typically in the emergency room setting with application of a splint. If the reduction is adequate and the joint is relatively stable with motion, a nonsurgical approach can be employed where the ligaments can be allowed to heal in a brace and elbow motion can be introduced in a progressive fashion. In some cases, an adequate reduction cannot be achieved or the reduction may be unstable. This can occur for a variety of reasons including associated fractures. In these cases the recommended treatment is a surgical repair.