The elbow joint displays an elegant balance between stability and mobility. While allowing a wide range of motion, the joint has an inherent stability that requires a considerable force to dislocate. For this reason, approximately one third of elbow dislocations are associated with fractures of bony components of the elbow. Dislocations of the elbow fall in frequency just behind dislocations of the finger and shoulder. Most commonly, the elbow dislocates posteriorly.
Immediate reduction is essential to reduce the risk of neurovascular or cartilaginous complications.
Both posterior and anterior dislocations occur. A fall on an extended abducted arm is the mechanism of injury seen in posterior dislocations of the elbow. An example of this is someone rollerblading who, falling backward, extends an arm behind to break the fall. Posterior dislocations account for the majority of elbow dislocations. A strong blow to the posterior aspect of a flexed elbow may result in anterior dislocation of the elbow.