Accessibility Tools

Already a Member? Login

Forgot Password

View Video LibraryVideos

Subscribe

Search

Home » Orthopaedics » Elbow » Elbow Fracture

Elbow Fracture

The elbow is a complex hinge joint formed by the articulation of three bones- humerus, radius, and ulna. The upper arm bone or humerus connects the shoulder to the elbow forming the upper portion of the hinge joint. The lower arm consists of two bones- the radius and the ulna. These bones connect the wrist to the elbow forming the lower portion of the hinge joint. A joint capsule surrounds the elbow joint which contains lubricating fluid called synovial fluid.

The three joints of the elbow are:

Ulnohumeral joint, the junction between the ulna and humerus

Radiohumeral joint, the junction between the radius and humerus

Proximal radioulnar joint, the junction between the radius and ulna

The elbow is held in place with the support of various soft tissues including:

Cartilage

Tendons

Ligaments

Muscles

Nerves

Blood vessels and

Bursae

The various movements of an elbow joint are

Flexion

Extension

Pronation

Supination

An elbow fracture results from a break or crack in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint. There are two types of elbow fractures:

Extra-articular fractures that include intercondylar fractures, supracondylar fractures, epicondylar fractures, and condyle fractures

Intra-articular fractures that include trochlea and capitellum fractures, radial head, and proximal ulnar fractures.

Causes.

Elbow fractures can be caused by:

A direct hit or blow to the elbow joint

Falling on an outstretched arm

A twisting injury of the elbow

Signs and symptoms:

The common symptoms of an elbow fracture include:

Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and bruising around the elbow joint

Restricted movement of the elbow

Pain at the elbow joint while stretching

Possible damage to nerves and or artery

Decreased range of motion

Possible numbness in finger, hand or forearm

Popping or cracking sound may be felt in the elbow

Healing of a fracture depends on the type and severity of the fracture sustained as well as the age and health status of an individual.

Diagnosis.

Your doctor diagnoses elbow fracture by performing a physical examination. Other investigations that help diagnose an elbow fracture include:

X-ray of the elbow is a radiological test carried out to look for abnormalities in bone structures of the joint

CT (Computerized tomography) scan of the elbow is done to obtain detailed views of the bone.

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of the elbow is done to view the bone and surrounding soft tissues.

Treatment.

Treatment varies according to the severity of the fracture and involves the following:

Rest the elbow until the fracture has healed completely which may take about 8-10 weeks.

Non-surgical or conservative treatment such as a cast or splint may be used to stabilize the joint if the bones are not displaced. Generally, casts are used to treat fractures in pediatric patients as they experience less muscle stiffness compared to adults.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medications to keep you comfortable, and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Physical therapy will be recommended by your orthopedic surgeon to increase range of motion and to strengthen your elbow muscles.

Surgery is considered in cases of displaced bones or unstable fractures, which require realignment and stabilization of the bone fragment.

The elbow joint performs various movements such as bending and straightening, which are essential in carrying out activities of daily living. Any injury or damage to the elbow is a serious condition which needs to be treated to prevent future complications. An untreated fracture may impair the strength and movements of the arm leading to severe pain and dislocation of the elbow.


Achilles Tendon Tear Repair

The achilles tendon is often injured during sports resulting in an inflammatory conditi..

Cartilage Restoration

Cartilage restoration is a surgical procedure where orthopedic surgeons stimulate the g..

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa in the hip. Bursa..

Hip Synovitis

Hip synovitis, also called transient hip synovitis or toxic synovitis is a condition in..

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is the term used to describe arthritis in children younger than 16 y..

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints and is the point w..

Pelvic Osteotomy

Pelvic osteotomy involves reorienting or restructuring the acetabulum or hip socket to ..

Severs Disease

Severs disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition causing swelling and ..

View More