Elbow Fractures

Elbow fractures can affect any or all of the three bones forming the joint. If you suffer an elbow fracture, the Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons of Northern California team in Carmichael, California, offers fast access to surgical treatment. Surgery relieves pain, restores elbow movement, and improves its long-term function.

What is an elbow fracture?

An elbow fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the joint. It can affect any of the three bones forming your elbow joint, and these are the:

Humerus

The humerus is your upper arm bone. The distal humerus at the lower end forms the upper part of your elbow.

Radius

The radius is your forearm bone on the thumb side. The radial head is the top of the radius where it joins the elbow.

Ulna

The ulna is your forearm bone on the pinky side. The olecranon is a part of your ulna that creates a hinge with the distal humerus. You can feel the bony, pointed olecranon under your skin.

One or more of these bones can fracture under sufficient force.

Which elbow fractures might affect me?

Common elbow fractures include:

Olecranon fracture

An olecranon fracture breaks the bony tip of your elbow. The olecranon is just under your skin and has little muscle or soft-tissue protection. It can easily break if your elbow receives a direct blow or you fall onto the elbow tip. An olecranon fracture can make elbow movement difficult or impossible and is usually very painful.

Distal humerus fracture

A distal humerus fracture happens in the lower end of your upper arm bone. Like an olecranon fracture, it can be excruciating and makes it hard to use the elbow. Distal humerus fractures are commonly caused by a high-energy event like a direct blow during a car accident.

Radial head fractures

Radial head fractures often happen when breaking a fall by putting your arms out. The force travels up your forearm, potentially dislocating your elbow joint and/or breaking the radial head. Radial head fractures account for about 20% of acute elbow injuries.

How is an elbow fracture treated?

A simple fracture where the bones don’t move out of position might only require a splint to immobilize the elbow while the joint heals. The Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons of Northern California team specializes in surgery for severe or complex elbow fractures.

Fractures require surgery if the bone pieces move out of position. Severe fractures can result in bone fragments loose in the joint. Your surgeon removes small pieces and repairs larger ones with a plate and/or screws. Where repair isn’t possible, your surgeon might remove the radial head or replace the entire joint with an artificial one.