If right elbow

• Place patient's right elbow at 120 degrees (slightly flexed)
• Place left hand on forearm, apply traction away from elbow
• Place right hand on upper arm with right thumb on olecranon, fingers curled around biceps
  • Apply countertraction and anterior and medially directed force to olecranon with thumb
• Apply traction with left hand
• Slightly flex elbow to 90 degrees
• You will feel a clunk
• Apply backslab at 90 degrees, leave on for two weeks
• Post-reduction films
• +/- ortho consult

 

If left elbow (same as above just reoriented for ease of use):

• Place patient's left elbow at 120 degrees (slightly flexed)
• Place right hand on forearm, apply traction away from elbow
• Place left hand on upper arm with left thumb on olecranon, fingers curled around biceps
• • Apply countertraction and anterior and medially directed force to olecranon with thumb
• Apply traction with right hand
• Slightly flex elbow to 90 degrees
• You will feel a clunk
• Apply backslab at 90 degrees, leave on for two weeks
• Post-reduction films
• +/- ortho consult

 

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).