Elbow injuries, such as fractures, breaks, and sprains, commonly occur due to accidents, direct blows, falls, and sports. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness. Our specialists diagnose these injuries through symptom analysis, elbow examination, and medical imaging studies, leading to effective treatment.
The majority of elbow injuries can be treated nonsurgically with immobilization using a cast, splint, or removable brace. This allows bones and ligaments to heal. Other treatment options include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy (post-immobilization), rest, ice, and elevation.
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. An open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure involves realigning broken elbow bones and using screws, plates, or rods for fixation. Post-surgery, the joint is immobilized, and the bones heal over several weeks.
Three bones join to form the elbow joint. Strong ligaments connect the humerus (arm bone), radius (large forearm bone) and ulna (small forearm bone). The elbow joint is very important because it moves the arm and forearm.
Elbow injuries are common. An elbow fracture, break, and sprain should be seen by our specialists. The following are common causes of an elbow fracture, break, and sprain:
Pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness are common symptoms. our specialists analyze symptoms, perform an elbow examination, and order and analyze medical imaging studies (x-rays and possibly an MRI) to diagnose elbow fractures, breaks, and sprains. An accurate diagnosis leads to effective treatment.
Nonsurgical treatment options treat the majority of elbow fractures, breaks, and sprains. Immobilization is important. Placing the elbow in a cast, splint, or removable brace immobilizes the joint. This gives the bones and ligaments time to heal. A strong, healthy bone forms after weeks of immobilization. Other treatment options help reduce symptoms. The following are commonly prescribed:
Surgery may be recommended to treat severe elbow fractures and breaks. During an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure, our specialist realigns the broken elbow bones and uses screws and a plate or rod to fixate them. The joint is immobilized after surgery. The bones heal over the course of many weeks.
