What Sports Commonly Cause Elbow Dislocations?

An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the elbow joint are forced out of their normal position. It is one of the more serious joint injuries an athlete can suffer. Although it can happen to anyone, it is more common in some sports than others.

Understanding which activities carry the greatest risk can help athletes, coaches, and parents make better-informed decisions about safety and technique.

How Elbow Dislocations Happen in Sports

The most common cause is falling onto an outstretched hand. When someone loses their balance and extends their hand to catch themselves, the force travels up the wrist and forearm and is concentrated at the elbow. If the force is strong enough or at the wrong angle, it can knock the forearm bones out of line with the upper arm bone, resulting in a dislocation.

Direct impact to the elbow during contact sports is another common cause. A collision, a tackle, or an awkward landing can apply sudden force to the joint from an angle it was not designed to handle. Some common sports are:

• Gymnastics

Gymnastics consistently produces some of the highest rates of elbow dislocation among all sports. Gymnasts put extreme loads through the upper extremities during vaulting, floor routines, and apparatus work. Falls are frequent, and the instinct to catch oneself is strong.

A gymnast landing off balance on an extended arm can sustain a dislocation in a fraction of a second. The younger the athlete, the more concerning this becomes because developing joints are more vulnerable to this type of injury.

• Wrestling and Martial Arts

Contact sports that involve grappling place the elbow under significant stress. In wrestling and martial arts, the arm is frequently caught in positions where an opponent can apply leverage against the joint.

Arm locks and submission holds that target the elbow are specifically designed to exploit its mechanical limits. When a hold is applied too aggressively, or a competitor does not tap out quickly enough, a dislocation can occur rapidly.

• Football

Football players face the risk of elbow dislocation from two directions. Linemen and skill position players alike can fall awkwardly on an outstretched arm during a tackle or a collision.

The combination of high-speed contact and frequent falls makes this a relatively common injury at both the amateur and professional levels. Skill position players who brace themselves during tackles are particularly vulnerable.

• Skateboarding and BMX

High-speed action sports with frequent falls carry a significant risk of upper extremity injuries, including dislocations of the elbow.

Skateboarders and BMX riders can crash hard and fast, and even for experienced riders, it’s hard to avoid reflexively catching yourself with an outstretched hand. Protective gear, such as elbow pads, can reduce the impact, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk.

• Volleyball and Basketball

Court sports see elbow dislocations less frequently, but they do occur. Diving for a ball, landing awkwardly after a jump, or colliding with another player during a scramble for possession can all result in the kind of fall that causes a dislocation. These tend to be lower velocity injuries than those seen in gymnastics or contact sports, but they still require prompt medical attention.

What to Do If You Suspect an Elbow Dislocation

A dislocated elbow is a medical emergency. The joint should not be forced back into place outside of a medical setting. The arm should be immobilized, ice applied to manage swelling, and the athlete taken to an emergency room or orthopedic surgeon as quickly as possible.

Wrapping Up

Elbow dislocations can happen in almost any sport. However, knowing the highest risk activities, using the right techniques, and getting prompt medical attention when an injury occurs can help you recover quickly.

Hurt your elbow during a match? Consult our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA, who specializes in sports and exercise medicine. Call us today to book your appointment.