Condition

Elbow fractures

Elbow fractures encompass a spectrum of injuries including distal humerus fractures, olecranon fractures (the bony point of the elbow), radial head and neck fractures, and coronoid fractures. Complex elbow injuries can involve multiple fractures combined with ligament tears, requiring precise surgical management.

Common Symptoms

1 Severe pain and swelling immediately after injury
2 Inability to bend or straighten the elbow normally
3 Visible deformity or abnormal contour of the elbow
4 Extensive bruising that may extend down the arm
5 Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers

Overview

What Are Elbow Fractures?

Elbow fractures are serious injuries that most commonly result from falls onto an outstretched arm or direct impact. Treatment ranges from immobilization for minimally displaced fractures to surgical fixation or joint replacement for complex, displaced, or comminuted patterns.

Dr. Jay Levin at Duke Health in Durham, NC, specializes in the surgical and nonsurgical management of elbow fractures, serving patients from Cary, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and throughout North Carolina.

Treatment Options at Duke Health

Nonsurgical treatment is appropriate for nondisplaced olecranon or radial head fractures with a full range of elbow motion.

Surgical treatment includes open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws, radial head replacement for comminuted radial head fractures, and total elbow arthroplasty for severely comminuted distal humerus fractures in elderly patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What elbow fractures typically require surgery?
Displaced olecranon fractures, radial head fractures with mechanical block to motion, distal humerus fractures, and complex elbow fracture-dislocations generally require surgical treatment. Nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures with a full range of motion may be managed in a splint followed by early mobilization to prevent stiffness.
How long will I be immobilized after elbow fracture surgery?
Immobilization duration depends on fracture complexity and the fixation method. Most patients are in a splint for 2–6 weeks. Physical therapy begins early — often while still in the splint — to prevent stiffness, which is a common complication of elbow injuries.
Can elbow fractures also be treated with replacement?
Yes. In elderly patients with severely comminuted distal humerus fractures, total elbow arthroplasty may provide better outcomes than attempting complex fixation of poor-quality bone. Dr. Levin evaluates each case at Duke Health in Durham to determine the optimal approach.

Not Sure What's Causing Your Pain?

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Levin.

Request an Evaluation Call 919-613-7797