Elbow dislocation and subluxation
A fall or sporting injury can sometimes force the elbow partially or completely out of place, causing sudden pain, swelling and difficulty moving your arm. This is known as an elbow dislocation or subluxation.
What is an Elbow Dislocation or Subluxation?
An elbow dislocation is a common elbow injury that occurs when the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) are forced out of their normal position at the elbow joint. In adults, this is the second most common major joint dislocation. When the joint moves out of its position, but is not completely dislocated, it is known as an elbow subluxation, in other words a partial dislocation. These injuries are usually caused by significant trauma, such as falling onto an outstretched hand or during contact sports. Although they can affect anyone, they are more common in people who participate in sports or experience high-impact falls. Because these injuries can also damage the ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels around the elbow, it is important to have them assessed promptly so that any associated injuries can be identified and treated.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but commonly include:
- Sudden, severe elbow pain
- A visibly deformed or out-of-place elbow
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty or inability to move the elbow
- Weakness in the arm or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers if nerves are affected
- Changes in circulation, such as a cold or pale hand, may indicate that blood vessels have been injured
If you are experiencing severe pain, a visible deformity or symptoms suggesting nerve or circulation problems, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by talking to you about how the injury happened and how your symptoms are affecting you. They'll then examine your elbow and assess its stability, as well as check for any signs of injury to the ligaments, nerves or blood vessels.
To understand the full extent of your injury, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of movement and joint stability
- Checks of circulation and nerve function
- X-rays to confirm the dislocation and identify any associated fractures
- CT or MRI scans where further assessment of the bones or soft tissues is needed
How is it treated?
Your consultant will talk you through the available treatment options and work closely with you to decide on the approach that best suits your injury, lifestyle and recovery goals.
Options may include:
- A procedure known as a reduction to gently return the elbow joint to its normal position, usually performed under pain relief or sedation.
- Pain relief to help keep you comfortable during your recovery
- A splint or sling for a short period to protect your elbow while it begins to heal
- Physiotherapy to help restore movement, strength and stability
- Surgery may be recommended if the elbow remains unstable after reduction or if there are significant fractures or ligament injuries.
Treatment routes for Elbow dislocation and subluxation
Many elbow dislocations can be treated successfully without surgery.
Non-surgical treatment is usually recommended if the joint is stable after reduction and there are no further associated injuries. This is usually a short period of immobilisation, followed by personalised physiotherapy with the aim of restoring movement and strength gradually. Our team are here to help you regain normal function whilst reducing risk of any future instability.
Recovery goals after Elbow dislocation and subluxation
Phase 1
Reducing pain and swelling Protecting the elbow while it heals Beginning gentle movement when appropriate Preventing stiffness
Phase 2
As healing progresses, rehabilitation aims to: Restore elbow movement Improve strength and control Increase confidence using the arm Return to normal daily activities
Phase 3
The final stage of rehabilitation focuses on: Building strength for work, sport or recreation Improving balance, coordination and joint stability Returning to higher levels of activity where appropriate Reducing the risk of further injury
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Elbow Dislocation or Subluxation FAQs
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury, but most elbow dislocations heal in around 6 to 12 weeks. Recovery may take longer if there are associated ligament injuries, fractures or surgery is required.
Yes. Smoking and vaping can slow down the body's natural healing process, which may delay your recovery after an injury or surgery. Stopping smoking, or reducing how much you smoke, can improve healing and reduce the risk of complications. This is particularly important during the first two weeks after your injury.
If you would like support to stop smoking, speak to your GP or visit the NHS Quit Smoking website for advice and support.
Not always. Most elbow dislocations can be treated without surgery. Surgery is usually only recommended if the elbow remains unstable or there are significant ligament injuries or fractures.
You should only drive when you can safely control the vehicle without pain or restriction. If you are wearing a sling or brace, you should not drive.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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