Elbow Fractures

Selected Features of Our Program

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Fractures can happen to any part of the elbow where three different bones all meet to form the joint. These injuries should be taken very seriously as severe stiffness can result from the injury alone or the treatment planned. The most important factor is recognizing and understanding all the implications of the specific pattern of injury for each individual patient. X-rays show the location and severity of the fracture. Understanding the implications and making the right plan takes a specialist in elbow trauma surgery.

Treatment and Recovery

A few lucky patients will have fractures that are non-displaced and stable on their own. These may not need surgery. Most elbow fractures, however, must be stabilized surgically so that early motion rehabilitation can begin. Without early motion the elbow will become severely and permanently stiff. Until very recently stabilization of elbow fractures had to be accomplished with devices available for general use anywhere in the body. Just recently, special systems have been designed specifically for various injury patterns of the elbow that are unique. These systems allow surgery for elbow stabilization to be done with smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and better stability for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation begins immediately after surgery and consists of motion exercises and occasionally specially designed splints. Early healing is usually complete by 6 weeks and final healing by around 10 weeks. The patient can use the arm even before healing for all light activities and eventually return to all usual activities after final healing. With the proper treatment, results can be excellent for what is otherwise a very serious injury.