Elbow Instability

What Is Elbow Instability?

Elbow Instability is a condition that has a range of sensations from a shifting feeling within the elbow to complete dislocation of the joint.

The sense of looseness in the elbow joint can extend to the joint catching, pop, or slide out of place during certain arm movements.

Elbow Instability can occurs after injury such as an elbow dislocation or from other bone and ligaments damage or detachment.

What Causes Elbow Instability?

Elbow Instability can usually occurs as a result of

Trauma such as breaking a fall with an outstretched hand while the arm is held straight.
After an elbow dislocation
Overuse or repetitive activities that can loosen connective tissues (such as tendons and ligaments) that normally keep the elbow joints stable

Types of Elbow Instability

Recurrent Elbow Instability types include:

Posterolateral Rotatory Elbow Instability - Elbow slides in and out of the joint due to an injury of ligaments outside of the elbow and can lead to elbow fractures
Valgus Elbow Instability - Elbow is unstable due to an injury of the ligaments inside of the elbow.
Varus Posteromedial Rotatory Elbow Instability - Elbow slides in and out of the joint due to an injury of ligaments in addition to a fracture of the coronoid portion of the ulna bone on the inside of the elbow.

Symptoms of Elbow Instability

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have sprained your elbow and should see a Penn orthopaedic specialist for an evaluation:

Difficulty bending and straightening your elbow
Inflammation, redness, and bruising
Popping sound when moving your elbow
Pain and tenderness along the inside of the elbow, especially during the acceleration phase of throwing.
Elbow stiffness; inability to straighten the elbow
Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers and hand
If there are loose fragments or uneven joint surfaces, you may also notice popping, catching, or grinding.

How is Elbow Instability Diagnosed

Patients who suspect they have Elbow Instability require a fully diagnosis this can include:

Medical History

Your doctor will ask questions about:

Current symptoms and what if any activities aggravate your condition, or how injury was sustained,
Obtain a medical history including family or genetic links etc
Determine any related former conditions diseases and treatments,
Record health metrics (weight, mobility, blood pressure, heart rate, etc)
Confirm medications, past and present
Record habits, diet, exercise and other related actions
Understand any risk factors or related complications or links

Physical Examination

Your doctor perform comprehensive physical evaluation that can include:

Examining the affected area,
Evaluate any swelling, pain, bruising or other features, etc
Determine impact of condition such as range or motion, pain, diet, lifestyle,
Record levels or severity of any symptoms

Diagnostic Testing

Once your doctor has completed the physical examination further tests maybe required. These tests can help your doctor determine or eliminate possible causes or impacts, or complete the diagnostic process and can include:

Pathology - blood or other sample tests, lung functions, etc
X-Ray -
Ultrasound -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Once a final diagnosis has been completed your doctor can discuss with you and recommend any treatment options.

Non Surgical Treatment for Elbow Instability

Treatment for your condition can begin immediately and can include:

Pain Medication - to treat pain or discomfort including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can relieve some
Inflammation Medication - may be prescribed to alleviate swelling including antibiotics for infection control
R.I.C.E. - To reduce the pain and swelling surrounding the injured area.
Rest: Rest the affected area as more damage could result from putting pressure on the injury.
Ice: Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area
Compression: Wrapping with an elastic bandage or an elasticated tubular bandage can help to minimize the swelling.
Elevation: Elevating the injured area above heart level to help with any swelling and pain
Exercise - may be recommended
Bracing - may be recommended to brace
Taping - may be applied over the affected areas to reduce pain.
Injection Therapies - may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing of the patellar tendon.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy - may be prescribed to accelerate healing.
Dry Needling - may be recommended to break up or destroy degenerative structures.
Hyperthermia Thermotherapy - may be recommended to heat and/or cool damaged tissues while allowing the surface level tissues to stay cool.

Surgical Treatment for Elbow Instability

In cases where either a conservative treatment has not resolved the problem or where a patient best or only treatment option is surgery, your doctor may recommend:

Elbow Arthroscopy - a minimally invasive procedure to remove, repair or reconstruct soft-tissue, tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Total Elbow Replacement - to restore range of mobility for patients with end-stage arthritis in the elbow by replacing the damaged elbows components with artificial parts.
using an artificial stem inside the humerus the ulna connected by a hinge to allow for better function and range of motion.
as above without the hinge and the two stems are held together with ligaments, tendons and muscles that are in good condition.