Understanding Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Dislocations 

Dislocations of the hand, wrist, or elbow can result from trauma, falls, or sports injuries. These injuries disrupt joint alignment and often cause severe pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. This blog provides an overview of these dislocations, their treatment options, and recovery processes. 

Hand Dislocations 

Hand dislocations, including finger dislocations, occur when the bones in a joint are forcibly displaced. Common in sports or high-impact activities, these injuries often involve the fingers.

Causes: 

• Direct trauma (e.g., ball strikes in sports). 
• Overextension or hyperflexion of the fingers. 

Symptoms: 

• Obvious joint deformity. 
• Pain and swelling. 
• Inability to move the affected finger. 

Treatment: 

1. Reduction: A healthcare professional manually repositions the dislocated joint. 
2. Immobilization: Splints or buddy taping help stabilize the joint as it heals. 
3. Rehabilitation: Gentle exercises to restore mobility and strength. 

Wrist Dislocations 

Wrist dislocations, though less common, can involve perilunate dislocations, where the lunate bone shifts out of alignment with the wrist. These injuries are often linked to high-impact trauma or falls. 

Causes: 

• Falls on an outstretched hand. 
• Motor vehicle accidents or other severe impacts. 

Symptoms: 

• Severe wrist pain and swelling. 

• Visible deformity or misalignment. 
• Limited wrist movement or numbness. 

Treatment: 

1. Closed Reduction: A non-surgical method to reposition the bones. 
2. Surgical Intervention: Required for perilunate dislocations to stabilize the wrist and repair damaged ligaments. 
3. Rehabilitation: Gradual reintroduction of movement to regain wrist strength and function.

Elbow Dislocations 

The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated joint in adults, typically caused by falls or traumatic injuries. 

Causes: 

• Falling onto an outstretched arm. 
• High-impact accidents, such as car crashes. 

Symptoms: 

• Severe elbow pain and swelling. 
• Obvious joint deformity. 
• Inability to bend or straighten the elbow. 

Treatment: 

1. Closed Reduction: A doctor repositions the elbow without surgery. 
2. Surgery: Required for complex dislocations involving fractures or ligament damage. 
3. Rehabilitation: Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore mobility and prevent stiffness. 

Recovery and Outlook 

Recovery from hand, wrist, and elbow dislocations depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. With proper care, most patients regain full function and return to their daily activities. Sports medicine specialists play a critical role in guiding recovery, especially for athletes or active individuals. Their expertise ensures that rehabilitation plans are tailored to restore strength, flexibility, and performance. 

At ROC, we integrate sports medicine principles into our treatment plans to help you achieve the best possible outcome. 

Take the Next Step with ROC 

Experiencing joint pain or recovering from a dislocation? At ROC, our team of experts specializes in treating hand, wrist, and elbow injuries. We’re here to guide you through every step of your recovery. Contact ROC today to learn more about your treatment options and take the first step toward lasting relief.