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Elbow Fracture

(Broken Elbow; Elbow, Broken)

Definition

An elbow fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint. The bones in the elbow joint are:
  • Humerus—the upper arm bone
  • Ulna—the larger of the forearm (lower arm) bones
  • Radius—the smaller bone in the forearm
The Elbow Joint
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Causes

This is caused by trauma to the elbow bones. Trauma can be caused by:
  • Falling on an outstretched arm
  • Falling directly on the elbow
  • Experiencing a direct blow to the elbow
  • Twisting the elbow beyond the normal range of motion

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing an elbow fracture. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
  • Advancing age
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Osteoporosis (due to menopause or other conditions)
  • Playing certain sports (such as football, hockey, wrestling, or gymnastics)

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Pain (often severe)
  • Tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the elbow
  • Numbness in fingers, hand, or forearm
  • Decreased range of motion
  • A lump or visible deformity over the fracture site

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The area will be examined.
Tests may include:
  • X-rays—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones; used to look for a break in the elbow area
  • CT scan—a test that uses computers to make pictures of structures inside the elbow; used to look at the cartilage and tendons around the elbow

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the injury is. Treatment involves:
  • Putting the pieces of the bone back in position, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
  • Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals
These devices may be used to hold the bone in place while it heals:
  • A cast or splint (may be used with or without surgery)
  • A metal plate with screws (requires surgery)
  • Screws alone (requires surgery)
Depending on the level of pain, your doctor may prescribe medication.
More x-rays will be done to be sure the bones have not shifted.

Exercises

  • Start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.
    • Your doctor will tell you when you are ready to start exercising. You may be referred to a physical therapist.
  • Do not return to sports until you are completely healed.

Healing Time

It takes about 8-10 weeks for a fractured elbow to heal.

Prevention

To help prevent elbow fractures:
  • Do not put yourself at risk for a trauma to the elbow.
  • Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
  • Build strong muscles to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.aaos.org

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org

References

Broken arm. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/broken-arm/DS01001. Updated June 2009. Accessed July 21, 2009.

Elbow fractures in children. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00037. Updated October 2007. Accessed July 28, 2008.

Olecranon fractures of the elbow. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00503. Updated October 2007. Accessed July 28, 2008.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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