State-of-the-Art Elbow Dislocation Surgery in Southern California
Elbow dislocation surgery is used to repair damage caused by dislocation of your elbow joint and put the bones back into their correct position. Surgery may be an option when the bones of the elbow are completely separated (complete dislocation) or just slightly out of place (partial dislocation). Elbow dislocation is a medical emergency, so seek treatment at Dignity Health Southern California immediately to make sure the joint heals correctly.
You can Find a Doctor who performs elbow surgery in Southern California at one of our conveniently located hospitals.
At Dignity Health Southern California, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are experts in traditional open surgery as well as the latest arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques. Your care team will also include physical therapists, nurses, and other specialty doctors who make your well-being our top priority.
When is Surgery Necessary for Elbow Dislocation Treatment?
Reduction — carefully guiding bones back into their correct position — is used to repair most elbow dislocations. However, you may need elbow surgery for:
- Damage to the ligaments that hold the elbow joint together
- Severe dislocations involving nerve or blood vessel damage
- Dislocation with elbow fracture
- Recurrent elbow dislocation
Depending on the severity of your elbow dislocation, you may need reconstructive surgery to repair damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and ligaments. You may need to wait a few days after the dislocation for the swelling to go down before you can have surgery.
What to Expect from Elbow Surgery for Dislocation
Elbow surgery for dislocation may take place in a Dignity Health Southern California hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Possible risks of elbow surgery include:
- Pain that does not get better or returns
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Persistent symptoms
- Elbow stiffness
If a minimally invasive procedure is an option, you may have a smaller incision, less pain, lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery.
Elbow Dislocation Surgery Recovery at Dignity Health Southern California
After surgery, you will need to wear a splint to immobilize your elbow while it heals. Physical therapy will help strengthen your elbow, speed recovery, and prevent future dislocations. Full recovery can take several weeks to months.
Rely on your care team every step of the way while recovering from surgery for elbow dislocation. We want to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible, so let us know if you have any questions.
Dignity Health offers orthopedic surgery and procedures, including elbow dislocation surgery, in Southern California.