What is an Elbow Fracture?

An elbow fracture is a broken bone in one or more of the three bones that make up the elbow joint. They include the:

• Radius -- the forearm bone that goes from the elbow to the wrist on the thumb side of the arm.
• Ulna -- the forearm bone that goes from the elbow to the wrist on the pinky side of the arm.
• Humerus -- the upper arm bone that goes from the shoulder to the elbow.

There are several types of elbow fractures. Among the most common is a supracondylar fracture, which occurs in the humerus, just above the elbow; a condylar fracture, which occurs in the humerus just above the elbow, but involves the joint surface; and an epicondylar fracture, which is a bone break at the tip of the bony protrusion on the inside or outside of the elbow.

Fractures of the elbow can be closed or open. A closed fracture is a break that doesn’t puncture through the skin. With an open fracture, the bone breaks through the skin, leading to an increased risk of infection.

Symptoms of Elbow Fracture

• Severe pain
• Deformity of the elbow
• A bone protruding from the skin near the elbow
• Tenderness, bruising or swelling at the elbow

Common Causes of Elbow Fracture

Elbow fractures are often caused by trauma, such as a fall, a car accident or an impact in sports. Stress fractures and poor bone health (osteoporosis) can also put you at increased risk for elbow fracture.

Best Treatments for Elbow Fracture

Seeing an Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey (OINJ) orthopedic elbow specialist can help ensure the best possible outcome. Diagnosis will begin with an X-ray to determine the extent of the injury. Sometimes a computed tomography (CT) scan is needed for more detail. If the fracture isn’t severe, your elbow doctor may immobilize your elbow in a cast or brace. If your elbow fracture requires immobilization, you may need training to use your other hand, depending on where the fracture is located. If the bone is broken in several places, you may need surgery to correctly realign bones. Surgical fixation with plates, screws, pins or rods may be need to put your fracture back together and hold it in place while it heals.

Your OINJ elbow surgeon may also recommend scar massage, ultrasound, heat, ice and/or splints to help stretch the joint to maximize motion and decrease the chance of elbow stiffness.

After the bone has healed, physical therapy can help retrain any muscles that have become weak from disuse. The goal of treatment is to put the bone back together, protect it until it heals and then recondition the entire extremity to get you back to doing what you love.

Healing Advice – Elbow Fracture Fit Tips

OINJ PHYSICIAN’S ADVICE

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Where the fracture is and its severity will determine the treatment required.

Frank J. Corrigan, MD, MD, OINJ Orthopedic Surgeon

Diligently doing your physical therapy exercises at home will give you the best chance of reclaiming strength and flexibility in your arm.

Christian J. Zaino, MD, DO, OINJ Orthopedic Surgeon