Elbow Dislocation After a Car Accident: Symptoms and Recovery

Elbow dislocation?

Dear Dr.:
I had a car accident in June.
It was a head-on/side collision, and I wasn't wearing a seatbelt.
My forehead, right shoulder, and left leg were injured, but I didn't have any broken bones (as confirmed by X-rays).
However, my right shoulder still feels weak and experiences minor pain when I try to lift it sideways.
I can swing it forward and backward without any issues.
However, I do feel uneasy and experience slight pain if I try to sleep on my stomach.
I have been putting weight on my injured shoulder while sleeping.
In early July, things became more complicated.
My right elbow suddenly started to hurt, and I can't straighten it after carrying some luggage while traveling.
I went to a clinic and had another X-ray.
The bone is fine.
I also went to the ER, where I received treatment for pain and muscle spasms.
I have been using BenGay Ultra to soothe my arm.
However, I still can't straighten my arm, and I can't lift things as I normally would.
Please tell me what is happening and what needs to be done.
I can't come to see you since I am away from home.
I don't know if I am at major risk and if my arm will recover after all! Please help!
Henry

henry, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/07/30

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics

Injury of the right shoulder without bony fracture and weakness of movement of the right shoulder.
Rupture of the rotator cuff and tendinitis is suspected.
Please check MRI for diagnosis.
Ching-Nien Yeh.

Reply Date: 2004/07/30

More Info

Dear Henry,
Thank you for sharing the details of your situation following the car accident. It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and limitations in your right shoulder and elbow, which can understandably be concerning. Based on your description and the information provided, it seems you may be dealing with a combination of soft tissue injuries, possibly involving the rotator cuff in your shoulder and some form of elbow injury, even if no fractures were detected on the X-rays.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Shoulder Pain and Weakness: The weakness and pain in your right shoulder, especially when lifting sideways, could indicate a rotator cuff injury or shoulder impingement. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for a range of motions. If these structures are injured, it can lead to pain, weakness, and difficulty with certain movements. The fact that you feel pain when trying to sleep on your stomach may also suggest that your shoulder is not fully stable or that you are inadvertently putting pressure on an injured area.

2. Elbow Pain and Inability to Straighten: The sudden onset of pain in your right elbow, especially after carrying luggage, raises the possibility of a strain or sprain in the elbow joint or surrounding soft tissues. Even if the X-ray shows no fractures, soft tissue injuries can still cause significant pain and functional limitations. The inability to straighten your elbow could be due to swelling, muscle spasms, or even a condition known as "elbow stiffness," which can occur after trauma.

Recommended Actions
1. Follow-Up with a Specialist: Since you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is crucial to follow up with an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician. They may recommend an MRI to assess the soft tissues around your shoulder and elbow, which can provide more insight into any potential injuries that are not visible on X-rays.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial for both your shoulder and elbow. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs, focusing on improving range of motion, strength, and function. They may also employ modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help manage pain and promote healing.

3. Pain Management: Continue using over-the-counter pain relief medications as needed, and consider discussing with your doctor the use of muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications if your pain persists. Applying topical treatments like BenGay can provide temporary relief, but they should not replace a comprehensive treatment plan.

4. Activity Modification: It’s important to avoid activities that exacerbate your pain, especially lifting heavy objects or putting excessive strain on your shoulder and elbow. Gradually reintroducing activities as tolerated can help prevent further injury.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in pain levels, range of motion, or functional abilities. If you notice worsening symptoms or new issues arise, seek medical attention promptly.

Prognosis
While it’s difficult to predict the exact timeline for recovery without a thorough examination, many soft tissue injuries can improve significantly with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. With diligence in following your treatment plan, there is a good chance that you will regain function and reduce pain in your shoulder and elbow.

In conclusion, please prioritize seeing a healthcare professional who can provide a detailed assessment and guide you through the recovery process. Your concerns are valid, and addressing them promptly will help ensure the best possible outcome.

Take care, and I wish you a smooth recovery.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Elbow Dislocation: Symptoms and Recovery Insights

Hello Doctor, on December 11, 2015, while playing basketball, I jumped and collided with another person, resulting in a fall where I landed on my left arm, causing an elbow dislocation. At that time, I managed to pull my arm back myself and went to the emergency room. The doctor ...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, elbow dislocation is quite common. In most cases, it can be reduced back into place without the need for surgical intervention. Only a small percentage of patients may have associated ligament injuries that lead to joint instability, which would require ligament reconstruc...

Understanding Elbow Injuries: Insights on Ligament Damage and Recovery

Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident about five weeks ago, and I have two symptoms: a Colles' fracture in my left hand and a ligament injury in my right hand. Today, I mainly want to ask about the condition of my right hand. The accident occurred in another city, where I e...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
Injury to the lateral ligaments of the wrist can indeed lead to limited joint mobility. However, based on the description in your message, it is difficult to understand the true situation. A physical examination on-site, along with relevant physical and clinical assessments, is n...

Five Years Post-Car Accident: Managing Elbow and Knee Pain

The car accident occurred five years ago, resulting in an injury to the left arm, which was unable to be raised at all. The left arm was swollen and there was bone displacement. Since the accident, there has been persistent soreness in the elbow and knee joints, with symptoms bec...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: Pain caused by changes in weather after a fracture is often due to individual constitution or poor microcirculation. It is important to first confirm the healing status of the fracture. If the fracture has healed properly and the shape is normal, it is generally recommende...

Understanding Elbow and Wrist Pain After a Car Accident

Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I had a car accident in early May, and after visiting the hospital, I was told that my bones were fine. However, since that accident, I have been experiencing pain in my elbow and wrist, my fingers feel numb and weak, and I have diffi...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, it is possible that you have tendonitis, with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow being the most common conditions. Please visit an orthopedic clinic for further examination and treatment. Thank you.