Elbow Fracture: Diagnosis and Treatment

The discussion of elbow fracture on this page will be limited to fractures of the lower end of the humerus bone in adults. Other fractures that involve bones forming the elbow joint can be seen by clicking on the following links-

Olecranon Fracture
Radial Head Fracture

Before we go further with elbow fracture, it is important to know the about the lower end of the humerus bone. This part of the humerus is flattened out like a spatula and consists of the following structures

• the lateral condyle outer side
• the medial condyle on the inner side

The medial condyle has the trochlea that articulates with the ulna bone and the lateral condyle has the capitulum that articulated with the radius bone. As you can see in the photograph that the posterior or under surface of the humerus bone is relatively flat hence this is the place that is used to apply plates and screws for stabilization of these fractures.

Also see the page on elbow anatomy for a better understanding of these fractures.

In young people these fractures are caused by high energy injuries such as road traffic accidents whereas in elderly they are seen after low energy injuries such as slipping on the floor.

Symptoms of elbow fracture include the following

• pain around the elbow region
• swelling
• inability to move the elbow joint
• deformity around the elbow

Movements of the wrist and fingers will continue until there is some injury to the blood vessels and nerves. In my country I have seen many patients come late after a elbow or shoulder fracture thinking that since they can move their fingers so they do not have a fracture and their injury is only a sprain.

Diagnosis of elbow fracture is by x ray examination of the elbow joint. A CT scan may also be required to assess the fracture pattern in multi fragmentary fractures.

These fracture can be broadly classified into three types

• Extra-articular fractures in which the fracture line does not extend to the elbow joint
• Partial-articular fractures in which the fracture line extends to the elbow joint and one condyle remains attached to the humerus bone
• Complete-articular fractures in which the fracture line extends to the elbow joint and both the condyles are separated from the remaining humerus bone

Each of the above types can be of further two types

• Undisplaced or hair line in which the fracture fragments have not separated from each other
• Displaced in which the fragments are away from each other

Treatment of this fracture depends on the following factors

• classification of the fracture
• age of the patient
young
old
• functional requirements of the patient
active life style
sedentary and dependent life
• presence of other diseases such as stroke, heart failure, diabetes etc.

Undisplaced or hair line fractures can be treated by simple plaster or splint support for 3 to 4 weeks after which physiotherapy is started to bring back movement in the elbow joint as soon as possible.

Displaced fractures in active young adults are treated by surgery. During surgery the fracture is exposed through a incision and the fragments are aligned. These fragments are then held rigidly by the help of plates and screws. The plate screw construct should be so strong and stable so as to allow active movement in the post operative period. This approach is also used in old people that are fit for surgery.

A elbow fracture in sedentary and dependent elderly people or those that have diseases like stroke, heart failure that make them surgically unfit are treated by

• a short period of rest in a splint or sling for a few days
• pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling
• physiotherapy is started within a few days to maintain mobility with out worrying about fracture union

The aim of this treatment is to get back as much painless movement of the elbow joint as possible.

Elderly patients with arthritis of the elbow joint or with multi-fragmentary fractures that can not be adequately stabilized by plates and screws are taken up for total elbow replacement surgery.

This is a x ray of a patient treated for elbow fracture with plates and screws.

Complications include

• Non-union or inability of the fracture to heal
• Mal-union or healing of the fracture in a wrong position
• Loss of elbow movement
• Nerve injury
• Infection
• Irritation caused by plates, screws and wires placed under the skin

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the fracture take to heal?

How can loss of elbow movement be prevented?

I hope the above information was useful. If you have any query you can ask me at the contact me page.

This page was created on 2nd November 2010

Other fractures and dislocations of the elbow region in adults...

Olecranon Fracture

Radial Head Fracture

Elbow Dislocation

Other fractures of the elbow region in children...

Supracondylar Fracture

Lateral Condyle Fracture

Other causes of elbow pain...

Tennis Elbow

Golfers Elbow

Olecranon Bursitis

Pulled Elbow

Little League Elbow

Go back from Elbow Fracture to Elbow Pain