Snap or pop in an elbow

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Snap or pop in an elbow

When a ligament moves within its normal range of motion, you may feel or hear a snapping or popping sound or sensation. If you do not have pain or other symptoms, treatment is usually not needed.

If an injury to the elbow causes pain and you hear or feel a snap or pop, it may be more serious. The injury may be:

• A torn ligament, the ropelike fibers that connect bones to bones around joints.
• A torn tendon that connects muscles to bones.
• Torn or displaced cartilage, the white, shiny material that covers the ends of bones inside joints. It absorbs shock and provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint movement.
• A moderate to severe sprain caused by overstretching or tearing muscles.
• A broken bone (fracture) of the upper arm bone (humerus) or the forearm bones (ulna or radius) at the elbow joint.
• A dislocated elbow joint (out of its normal position). See an illustration of a dislocated elbow .

A piece of bone inside the elbow joint may die (osteochondritis dissecans) and become caught in the elbow joint after an injury or from overuse of the elbow. The result may be popping or locking of the joint.

Elbow grating may occur with joint movement in other conditions, such as arthritis.

Prompt treatment can prevent complications and promote healing.

Credits

Last updated:	April 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer