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Closed reduction of posterolateral dislocation of the elbow

The arm is initially extended to 30° flexion. The overall gross alignment of the elbow is then manipulated so that the olecranon appears centred between the medial and lateral condyle of the humerus. The forearm is then slowly flexed to approximately 90° with the physician providing longitudinal traction to the forearm while the assistant provides countertraction to the patient's humerus. The arm is then flexed even further with direct downward pressure applied to the olecranon. The physician should feel an audible clunk as the elbow is reduced.