Elbow conditions
Elbow fractures
Breaks of the bones that form the elbow, from stable cracks that heal in a sling to displaced fractures that need surgical fixation.
Break around the elbow
Common after a fall
Treatment varies by pattern
What is an elbow fracture?
The elbow is formed by three bones, the lower end of the humerus and the upper ends of the two forearm bones (the radius and ulna). An elbow fracture is a break of any of these, commonly the radial head or the olecranon (the bony tip of the elbow).
Stable, well-aligned fractures often heal in a sling with early motion. Displaced fractures, or those involving the joint surface, usually need surgery to restore alignment and prevent stiffness.
Overview
At a glance
Motion is medicine
The elbow stiffens easily, so Dr. Cohn emphasizes early, guided motion, whether your fracture is treated in a sling or with surgery.
Symptoms & signs
Signs of an elbow fracture
These injuries are painful and limit elbow motion.
Immediate pain and swelling around the elbow
Inability to fully bend or straighten the elbow
Bruising and tenderness over the bone
A grinding or unstable feeling with movement
Numbness or tingling in the hand if a nerve is irritated
Causes & risk factors
What causes it
Most result from a fall or direct impact.
Falls
A fall onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the elbow is the usual cause.
High-energy trauma
Motor vehicle and sports collisions cause more complex fractures.
Weakened bone
Osteoporosis increases the risk in older adults.
Direct blow
A direct impact can fracture the tip of the elbow.
Treatment options
How elbow fractures are treated
Treatment depends on the bone involved and whether the joint surface is affected.
- A sling for stable, well-aligned fractures
- Early guided motion to prevent stiffness
- Pain control and regular X-rays
- Physical therapy as the bone heals
- Plates, screws, or wires to realign displaced fractures
- Restores the joint surface to prevent arthritis and stiffness
- For unstable or joint-involving fractures
- Allows protected early motion
Related procedure
When fixation is needed, Dr. Cohn treats the fracture surgically, see how elbow fracture fixation works.
Recovery
What recovery looks like
Most elbow fractures heal within a few months, with motion the priority.
Protect
A sling or splint protects the elbow while early healing begins.
Regain motion
Guided therapy restores bending and straightening.
Strengthen
Strengthening returns as the bone unites.
Full use
Most patients return to full activity.
FAQ
Common questions
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The elbow is prone to stiffness, which is why early, guided motion is so important. Dr. Cohn balances protecting the fracture with keeping the joint moving.
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No. Stable, well-aligned fractures often heal in a sling. Surgery is for displaced fractures and those that involve the joint surface.
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Light use often returns within a few weeks, with full strength over a few months depending on the fracture and treatment.
Related procedures