Evaluation and treatment of the elbow and forearm injuries in the emergency department.

Elbow and forearm injuries result most commonly from direct blows to the area, or from fall on outstretched hand. The elbow may be injured if it is locked at the time of impact. Elbow or forearm bone dislocations may occur alone or in conjunction with fractures and generally require reduction to minimize future morbidity. The primary goal of management is to achieve anatomic reduction of any fracture or dislocation, while allowing for early range of motion to minimize future morbidity, including in particular elbow stiffness and consequently limited mobility of the joint.