Elbow Stabilisation After Dislocation Injury
If you or someone you know has dislocated their elbow, you may be wondering what the treatment involves and what recovery looks like. Elbow dislocation is a serious injury that can damage bones and ligaments, leaving the joint unstable and painful.
In many cases, surgery called elbow stabilisation is required to restore proper function. Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, an Adelaide-based specialist in shoulder and elbow surgery, provides advanced care for this type of injury.
What is elbow stabilisation after dislocation
When your elbow pops out of place and dislocate, it can damage bones and ligaments.
When an elbow dislocates, it means the bones in the joint have moved out of their normal position. This can stretch or tear ligaments and sometimes break surrounding bones. A common severe pattern of injury is known as the “terrible triad”, which involves damage to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) along with fractures to the radial head and the coronoid process.
If this combination occurs, the elbow is unstable and usually requires surgical stabilisation to allow proper healing and prevent long-term complications.
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The “terrible triad” is considered one of the most challenging elbow injuries to treat.
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Elbow stability depends not just on ligaments, but also on bone shape and surrounding muscles.
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Surgery aims to stop the cycle of repeated dislocations that prevent proper healing.
What happens before surgery?
Before deciding on surgery, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will perform a detailed examination to assess the extent of the injury. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are commonly used to identify ligament tears and bone fractures.
These scans also help determine whether the terrible triad injury is present, which affects the type and complexity of surgery required. The goal at this stage is to fully understand the damage so a precise treatment plan can be made.
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CT scans can show fine bone detail, while MRI is more useful for ligament damage.
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Doctors also look for nerve and blood vessel injury, which may complicate treatment.
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Assessment includes checking how much the elbow moves before it “gives way.”
Left: Dislocated elbow right: normal elbow
Surgical treatments
Elbow dislocation injuries may present with the following symptoms:
Surgical stabilisation focuses on repairing or reconstructing damaged ligaments and fixing broken bones. If the LUCL is torn, it may be repaired directly or reconstructed using a tendon graft if the damage is too severe.
Fractures of the radial head are treated with either internal fixation using screws and plates or, if the bone is too damaged, replacement with a prosthetic radial head. These procedures are designed to restore proper joint alignment, reduce pain, and return stability to the elbow.
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Ligament reconstruction may use tendon grafts taken from the forearm or leg.
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Modern prosthetic radial heads are designed to match natural movement closely.
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Fixing even small coronoid fractures can make a major difference in joint stability.
The device shown here is used for severe elbow dislocations where ligaments are severely damaged.
What does Post-surgery rehabilitation look like?
Following elbow stabilisation surgery, rehabilitation is a crucial phase of the recovery process. Key elements of post-surgery rehab include:
After surgery, recovery involves both protection and gradual rehabilitation. A custom splint is usually worn for about six weeks to keep the elbow in a stable position while the repaired ligaments and bones heal. Once initial healing has occurred, physiotherapy begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness.
Over time, strengthening exercises are introduced to rebuild muscle and support the joint. The final stage of recovery focuses on functional training, helping patients return to everyday tasks and normal arm use.
Custom splint: Patients are often referred to an upper limb rehabilitation therapist who creates a custom thermoplastic splint to stabilise the elbow for the first 6 weeks after surgery. This splint helps protect the repaired or reconstructed structures and facilitates healing.
Range-of-motion exercises: After the initial period of immobilisation, patients begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and promote joint mobility.
Strengthening exercises: As healing progresses, progressive strengthening exercises are incorporated to restore elbow strength and stability.
Functional training: Specific activities and exercises are tailored to help patients regain functional use of their elbow joint and facilitate a safe return to daily activities.
Commonly Asked Questions
It’s best to see a specialist as soon as possible after a dislocation or significant elbow injury. Waiting too long can make the joint harder to stabilise and may increase the risk of long-term stiffness or arthritis.
Elbow stabilisation treatment with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell specialises in treating upper limb injuries and has extensive experience in elbow stabilisation surgery. He offers advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (arthroscopic) procedures when appropriate. With consulting rooms in Dulwich, Stirling, and Whyalla through the Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic, patients have access to specialised care close to home. Seeking a consultation with a surgeon experienced in complex elbow injuries can make a significant difference to long-term recovery and function.
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Subspecialty training in shoulder and elbow surgery is relatively rare in Australia.
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Dr Brumby-Rendell has experience with both straightforward and complex reconstructions.
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Consulting locally reduces the need for travel while accessing advanced surgical care.
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