For instance, even if it’s sprained, dislocated, or bruised, you’ll be unable to straighten it and the pain will accompany every movement. Even more likely, your elbow might be sprained. Keep in mind that it’s possible to experience some of these symptoms even if your elbow is just bruised. Swelling and bruising around the elbow area.Sharp pain every time you try to move the joint.Like with any other fracture, the five most common symptoms of a fractured elbow are: What Are the Symptoms of a Fractured Elbow? Chances are that you’re wondering whether your elbow is broken or just bruised, but even if it turns out to be a false alarm, this sort of knowledge always comes in handy. Here are some common signs of an elbow fracture, a few types of elbow fractures, as well as some tips for treatment. Sometimes, you won’t feel the full brunt of symptoms until the injury has cooled off, which makes any self-diagnosis quite difficult. Sure, it sounds logical that it would have to be a noteworthy impact to shatter (or at least crack) bones in your elbow but this is not always the case. An untreated fracture may impair the strength and movements of the arm leading to severe pain and dislocation of the elbow.A lot of people live under the false presumption that it takes a tremendous amount of force to fracture an elbow. Any injury or damage to the elbow is a serious condition which needs to be treated to prevent future complications. The elbow joint performs various movements such as bending and straightening, which are essential in carrying out activities of daily living. Surgery is considered in cases of displaced bones or unstable fractures, which require realignment and stabilization of the bone fragment. Physical therapy will be recommended by your orthopedic surgeon to increase range of motion and to strengthen your elbow muscles. ![]() Your doctor may prescribe pain medications to keep you comfortable, and antibiotics to prevent infection. Generally, casts are used to treat fractures in pediatric patients as they experience less muscle stiffness compared to adults. Non-surgical or conservative treatment such as a cast or splint may be used to stabilize the joint if the bones are not displaced. Rest the elbow until the fracture has healed completely which may take about 8-10 weeks. Treatment varies according to the severity of the fracture and involves the following: MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of the elbow is done to view the bone and surrounding soft tissues. X-ray of the elbow is a radiological test carried out to look for abnormalities in bone structures of the jointĬT (Computerized tomography) scan of the elbow is done to obtain detailed views of the bone. Other investigations that help diagnose an elbow fracture include: Your doctor diagnoses elbow fracture by performing a physical examination. Healing of a fracture depends on the type and severity of the fracture sustained as well as the age and health status of an individual. Popping or cracking sound may be felt in the elbow Possible numbness in finger, hand or forearm Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and bruising around the elbow joint The common symptoms of an elbow fracture include: Intra-articular fractures that include trochlea and capitellum fractures, radial head, and proximal ulnar fractures. There are two types of elbow fractures:Įxtra-articular fractures that include intercondylar fractures, supracondylar fractures, epicondylar fractures, and condyle fractures The various movements of an elbow joint areĪn elbow fracture results from a break or crack in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint. The elbow is held in place with the support of various soft tissues including: ![]() Proximal radioulnar joint, the junction between the radius and ulna Radiohumeral joint, the junction between the radius and humerus Ulnohumeral joint, the junction between the ulna and humerus A joint capsule surrounds the elbow joint which contains lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. These bones connect the wrist to the elbow forming the lower portion of the hinge joint. The lower arm consists of two bones- the radius and the ulna. The upper arm bone or humerus connects the shoulder to the elbow forming the upper portion of the hinge joint. The elbow is a complex hinge joint formed by the articulation of three bones- humerus, radius, and ulna.
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