Injury Mechanism Elbow dislocations are usually the result of a fall on an outstretched hand with the elbow extended. Most are simple dislocations that involve no significant fractures.
Complex dislocations are less common and involve major fractures that require surgical repair.
Injured structures include the anterior and posterior bands of the medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament. The brachialis muscle, flexor-pronator muscle group, and articular cartilage may be injured as well. The on-field assessment of the dislocated elbow is critical, because it can affect final outcome. The patient usually has swelling and obvious deformity. If possible, first ascertain the mechanism of injury.