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Elbow Fractures

Elbow Fracture Treatment in Kansas City, MO

What are Elbow Fractures?

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The elbow is a complicated joint. It has two separate motions, bending and rotating, due to the socket and hinge joint. Injury, breaks, fractures, or dislocation can affect one or both of those unique motions.

When breaks occur, they can happen in many different places in the elbow. Fractures can occur near the end of the bone where growth plates are. Most fractures around the elbow joint occur when the person falls on their outstretched arm.

Elbow fractures, believe it or not, are very common, especially among children. A fracture can happen as a result of trauma such as falling, twisting, or blunt force. In addition to a visual examination, patients may also go through a series of scans to diagnose an elbow fracture, these scans include:
  • N X-rays
  • N CT scans
  • N MRI
  • N Musculoskeletal ultrasounds
These tests can help determine what kind of injury and how severe so that proper treatment can be given.

Symptoms of Elbow Fractures

Wherever the break occurs, the symptoms are the same: acute pain in the joint and forearm, along with occasional numbness in the hand. Below are some more symptoms someone may experience with an elbow fracture:

  • N

    Sudden, intense pain with the inability to straighten the elbow
  • N

    Swelling and bruising around the elbow
  • N

    Tenderness to the touch
  • N

    Pain with movement of the joint
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Conditions

Elbow Surgery
Elbow Fracture
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Dislocated Elbow
Forearm Fracture
Golfer’s Elbow
Tennis Elbow

Treatment for Elbow Fractures

There are two basic categories for the treatment of an elbow fracture, surgical and nonsurgical. If an elbow fracture is not displaced, or out of place, nonsurgical treatment is a good option. A sling, splint, or cast is used to hold the elbow in place during the healing process. Physical therapy is used to help regain some motion in the elbow since it may be stiff from prolonged splinting time.

If the fracture is displaced or open, when the bone is exposed through the skin, surgery is usually required to jump-start the healing process. During surgery, the pieces are put back together and held together in many different ways including:

  • Pins and wires

  • Screws

  • Plates and screws

Unlike non-surgical treatment, after surgery, motion is required immediately and is assisted through physical therapy. Strengthening and range of motion exercises are important throughout the healing process after a surgical repair.
At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, our surgeons are experts in elbow joint surgery, reconstruction, and total replacement. We’re experts in orthopedic surgery, including elbow arthroscopy, utilizing the latest technology to diagnose issues before surgery.

Elbow Fracture Doctors in Kansas City

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact Orthopedic Health of Kansas City and make an appointment with one of our Kansas City arm and elbow specialists.