Causes

Elbow dislocations are caused by direct trauma to the arm or elbow and by axial loading transmitted through the elbow during a fall on the outstretched arm. It is most frequent in males and children. Approximately half of all elbow dislocations observed in teenagers and young adults arise from sport accidents. Generally the most common causes of this pathology are:

Pulling/swinging young children by the hands/wrists (radial head subluxation) with extended arms also called nursemaid's elbow

Fall onto the outstretched hand or arm

Direct impact in contact sports

Motor vehicle accidents