Elbow Fractures(Bone Breaks & Trauma)

Comprehensive treatment guide for elbow fractures through emergency management, surgical intervention, and progressive rehabilitation.

10%

Of all fractures

5-65

Age range affected

33%

Radial head fractures

6-16

Weeks recovery

Understanding Elbow Fractures

What are Elbow Fractures?

Elbow fractures involve breaks in one or more of the three bones that form the elbow joint: the humerus, radius, and ulna. They can range from simple cracks to complex injuries.

Common Causes:

Fall on outstretched hand
Direct blow to elbow
Sports injuries
Motor vehicle accidents

Emergency Symptoms

Severe pain and inability to move elbow
Visible deformity or swelling
Bruising and discoloration
Numbness or tingling in hand
Grinding sensation with movement
Open wound with bone visible

Common Fracture Types

Radial Head Fracture

Most common elbow fracture in adults

Symptoms:

Lateral elbow pain
Swelling
Limited rotation
Tenderness over radial head

Treatment:

Conservative for stable fractures, surgery for displaced

Recovery Time:

6-12 weeks

Olecranon Fracture

Fracture of the bony prominence at the back of elbow

Symptoms:

Posterior elbow pain
Inability to extend elbow
Visible deformity
Swelling and bruising

Treatment:

Often requires surgical fixation with plates or screws

Recovery Time:

8-16 weeks

Supracondylar Fracture

Most common elbow fracture in children

Symptoms:

Severe elbow pain
Swelling
Deformity
Potential nerve or vessel injury

Treatment:

Emergency reduction and pinning often required

Recovery Time:

6-12 weeks

Coronoid Process Fracture

Often associated with elbow dislocation

Symptoms:

Elbow instability
Pain with flexion
Swelling
Limited range of motion

Treatment:

Surgical repair for large fragments

Recovery Time:

8-12 weeks

Treatment Phases

Phase 1: Acute Management (0-2 weeks)

Goals:

Stabilize fractureControl pain and swellingPrevent complications

Key Interventions:

Emergency assessment and imaging

Fracture reduction and immobilization

Surgical fixation if indicated

Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications

Neurovascular monitoring

Ice therapy and elevation

Phase 2: Early Mobilization (2-6 weeks)

Protected movement while fracture heals

Goals:

Promote fracture healingPrevent stiffnessBegin gentle movement

Key Interventions:

Progressive range of motion exercises

Gentle strengthening within restrictions

Soft tissue mobilization

Modalities for pain and swelling

Functional activity modification

Regular imaging to monitor healing

Phase 3: Progressive Strengthening (6-12 weeks)

Advanced rehabilitation as fracture consolidates

Goals:

Restore full strengthReturn to functionPrevent re-injury

Key Interventions:

Progressive resistance training

Advanced range of motion exercises

Proprioceptive training

Work or sport-specific activities

Gradual return to full activities

Long-term monitoring for complications

Rehabilitation Exercise Program

Early Mobilization (2-6 weeks)

Passive Range of Motion

Gentle assisted movement within healing constraints

Sets: 3 sets

Reps: 10-15 repetitions

Frequency: 3-4 times daily

Active-Assisted Movement

Patient-initiated movement with support

Sets: 2-3 sets

Reps: 10-15 repetitions

Frequency: 3-4 times daily

Grip Strengthening

Gentle grip exercises to maintain hand function

Sets: 2 sets

Reps: 10-15 repetitions

Frequency: Daily

Progressive Strengthening (6-12 weeks)

Active Range of Motion

Full active movement without assistance

Sets: 3 sets

Reps: 15-20 repetitions

Frequency: Daily

Resistance Band Exercises

Progressive strengthening with elastic resistance

Sets: 3 sets

Reps: 12-15 repetitions

Frequency: Daily

Isometric Strengthening

Static muscle contractions at various angles

Sets: 3 sets

Reps: 10-second holds

Frequency: Daily

Weight Training

Progressive loading with light weights

Sets: 2-3 sets

Reps: 10-12 repetitions

Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Advanced Functional Training (12+ weeks)

Plyometric Exercises

Dynamic power and coordination training

Sets: 2-3 sets

Reps: 8-12 repetitions

Frequency: 2-3 times per week

Sport-Specific Training

Activities specific to sport or work demands

Sets: 2-3 sets

Reps: 5-10 repetitions

Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Complex Movement Patterns

Multi-joint functional activities

Sets: 2-3 sets

Reps: 10-15 repetitions

Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Endurance Activities

Sustained activities to build stamina

Sets: 1-2 sets

Reps: 10-20 minutes

Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Prevention Strategies

Use appropriate protective equipment in sports

Maintain good bone health with calcium and vitamin D

Practice fall prevention strategies

Strengthen muscles around the elbow

Avoid high-risk activities when fatigued

Use proper technique in sports and activities

Address osteoporosis risk factors

Maintain overall physical fitness

Emergency Warning Signs

Signs of infection (fever, redness, drainage)

Loss of sensation or movement in hand

Severe, uncontrolled pain

Signs of compartment syndrome

Loss of pulse or circulation

Progressive deformity or instability

Hardware complications (loosening, breakage)

Non-union or delayed healing

Elbow Braces

Post-fracture support

Ice Therapy

Pain and swelling control

Therapy Tools

Rehabilitation equipment

Elbow Dislocation Elbow Conditions Overview

Complete

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