Depending on the level of impact the elbow joint undergoes, elbow dislocations can range from minor to major. Most elbow dislocations are caused by a fall, but they can also arise from more traumatic incidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

More specifically, an elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the forearm shift out of place relative to the upper arm bone. Common symptoms include severe elbow pain, swelling, difficulties in bending the arm, or the inability to bend the arm.