Elbow Fracture
Elbow fractures can result from falls onto an outstretched hand, direct impact to the elbow, sports injuries (especially those involving contact or repetitive motions), and other accidents. When seen in the emergency department, the elbow is often immobilised in a sling or plaster cast in the first instance. It is important to have follow up with an orthopaedic team to direct any subsequent treatment aiming to maximise recovery and range of motion by way of either non surgical or surgical treatments.
Which bones are typically involved in elbow fractures?
The elbow joint involves three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the ulna, and the radius (both forearm bones). Fractures can involve any of these bones. The elbow joint performs forearm flexion, extension and rotation.
What are the different types of elbow fractures?
Like most fractures, elbow fractures can vary from the relatively innocuous to very severe injuries. Common types of elbow fractures include radial head fractures, olecranon fractures, supracondylar fractures, medial epicondyle fractures, lateral epicondyle fractures or a combination of each.
What are the symptoms of an elbow fracture?
Symptoms of an elbow fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the elbow or forearm.
How are elbow fractures diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a focussed clinical examination, X-rays and sometimes CT scans. MRI scans are occasionally used to evaluate soft tissue injuries such as ligament or cartilage injuries .
What are the treatment options for elbow fractures?
Treatment depends on the severity and type of fracture but may include immobilization plaster casts or range of motion braces. If the fracture fragments are poorly aligned or unstable (likely to move) then surgery may be required. The elbow is prone to stiffness after an injury, and as such periods of immobilisation are generally kept at a minimum and early range of motion exercises are encouraged.
How long does it take to recover after an elbow fracture?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment received, but it typically takes 4-6 weeks to recover from a minor fracture such as an undisplaced radial head fracture. More complex fractures may take several months to recover.
What are the potential complications associated with elbow fractures?
Common complications can include stiffness and loss of range of motion. This often improves with time but is seen more commonly in elbow fractures compared with fractures of other parts of the body. Nerve or blood vessel damage can occur but is less common. Post traumatic arthritis can occur with fractures involving the joint – the aim of surgery, in more severe fractures, is to minimise this by restoring anatomical alignment as best as possible. Due to the prominent nature of the elbow under the skin, it is not uncommon to require metalwork removal at a later date in those cases which require surgical fixation.
