Recurring Dislocation of the Elbow
Elbow instability is a loose elbow joint that may cause the elbow to catch or come out of alignment. When the elbow repeatedly feels loose or unstable, it is called chronic elbow instability and may cause damage to the elbow joint.
Causes of elbow instability include:
- Elbow deformity
- Overuse injury
- Surgery
- Trauma (such as a fall)
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Outlook
Symptoms of elbow instability or chronic elbow instability, include:
- Clicking sound in joint
- Feeling of the joint catching
- Feeling of loose joint
- Pain with movement
- Sliding out of joint
Diagnosis for upper extremity fracture may include:
- Physical exam
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Elbow instability can be treated with physical therapy and activity modification. If you suffer from chronic instability, ligament reconstruction surgery, may be a treatment option.
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The shoulder and elbow specialists at Penn State Health are board-certified orthopaedic surgeons and fellowship trained in shoulder and elbow surgery. Their expertise includes arthroscopic surgery, treatment of sports injuries, total joint replacement and fractures. They hold a unique position in central Pennsylvania in their ability to combine extensive clinical and surgical experience with current research. This means they can offer the best solution for your shoulder or elbow problem.
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