Elbow instability in children

Elbow instability occurs when the elbow joint is loose, allowing it to catch or slide out of place. When an unstable elbow fully slides out of place, it’s called a dislocation.

Often, nonsurgical treatment options such as activity modification and physical therapy will help your child heal. When symptoms worsen, chronic elbow instability may require surgery to repair stretched or torn tendons and ligaments. Our surgeons offer a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach.

We also treat other injuries associated with elbow instability:

• Articular cartilage injury

• Osteochondritis dissecans

• Overuse injuries (including Little League elbow)

What are the signs and symptoms of elbow instability in children?

Common symptoms of elbow instability include:  

• Pain

• Swelling

• Warmth and redness

• Bruising

• Deformity in the elbow joint

• Difficulty moving the arm

How is elbow instability in children diagnosed?

Often, our physicians can diagnose elbow instability with a physical examination and a review of your child’s medical history. Tests may also help determine the problem and rule out other conditions such as an elbow dislocation.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Physical exam - Assesses movement, appearance and sensation in your child’s elbow and arm muscles

• X-ray - Uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to take detailed images of the bones of the elbow

• CT (computed tomography) scan - Uses X-rays to make detailed images of the elbow joint

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan - Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the elbow joint, checking for tears in the ligaments and tendons

What are the causes of elbow instability in children?

The elbow is made up of bones, ligaments and tendons that work together to stabilize the joint.

Common causes for elbow instability include:

• Falling on an outstretched arm

• Poor throwing technique

• High level of flexibility in the joints

How is elbow instability in children treated?

Treatment for elbow instability depends on the severity of your child’s injury. Most often, our physicians can use nonsurgical treatments for elbow instability.

Nonsurgical treatments

• Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE)

• Medication to help manage pain and swelling

• Activity modification

• Splinting to immobilize and promote healing

• Physical therapy (PT) and rehabilitation

Arthroscopic surgery - When elbow instability starts to affect your child’s normal activities, we may recommend surgery to repair damaged muscles, tendons or ligaments. If surgery is needed, our surgeons offer a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach.