Imagine that you are playing or doing household chores and suddenly slip and fall. When you fall, whether it is while reaching out to catch your hand or directly hitting your elbow, your elbow starts to swell with severe pain. At times like these, we often think that "I sprained my arm." But it could be an elbow fracture . Although the name may sound scary, this is a very common condition, especially among children. So today, let's talk about everything you need to know about this elbow fracture.
Simply put, what is an elbow fracture?
An elbow fracture is a break or fracture in one or more bones in your elbow joint. There are several main reasons why this can happen.
- Direct impact to the elbow: If the elbow hits a hard surface directly due to an accident, while playing sports, or falling somewhere.
- Reaching out when falling: When we are about to fall, we instinctively reach out to save our body. At this point, the entire weight of the body comes through the arm to the elbow, and the pressure can break the bone.
- Twisting the arm: Sometimes, if the arm is twisted too hard, there is a risk of damage to the bones in the elbow.
The elbow is a very complex joint that connects the upper arm bone (Humerus) and the two lower arm bones (Radius and Ulna). So any one of these three bones can break.
What are the main types of elbow fractures?
Doctors generally divide elbow fractures into three main types, depending on where the bone is broken. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Fracture Type | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Olecranon Fractures | This is the pointy end of your elbow. That's the bone you feel when you put your elbow on a table. Because this bone isn't covered by much muscle, it can break very easily if hit directly. This is the most common type of elbow fracture. |
| Radial Head Fractures | This is caused by a fracture of the upper part of the radius bone in the lower arm. This is often caused by the pressure exerted on the ground when we fall with our outstretched arm. |
| Distal Humerus Fractures | This is a fracture of the lower part of the upper arm bone (humerus), which runs from the shoulder to the elbow, near the elbow joint. This is a little less common than the other two types, but it can happen in a serious accident or if you fall with your elbow bent. |
Why is this common among children?
Because children's bones are still growing and they are constantly running and playing, they are more likely to fall. Therefore, only 10% of fractures in children are found to be elbow fractures.
What are the symptoms of a broken elbow?
Some fractures can cause severe pain and deformity in the hand. But sometimes the symptoms are not so obvious. Let's take a look at some of the most common symptoms.
| Symptom | What does that mean? |
|---|---|
| Sudden, sharp pain | Immediately after the accident, there is unbearable pain. You may even hear a "pop" sound. |
| Swelling and bruising | Swollen, blue/purple coloration of the area behind or around the elbow. |
| Inability to shake hands | Feeling severe pain when trying to bend, extend, or rotate the elbow. |
| Numbness or weakness in the hand | Tingling or weakness in the fingers or hand. This happens when a broken bone puts pressure on a nerve. |
| Deformity | In some severe cases, the shape of the elbow may change, and it may look like a bone is protruding from the skin. |
The important thing is, even if you can move your arm, it doesn't mean that a bone isn't broken. So if there's pain and swelling, definitely see a doctor.
How does a doctor diagnose this exactly?
When you go to the doctor, he will first ask you about how the accident happened and then carefully examine your elbow.
- They will press around your elbow and look for any painful areas.
- Check for broken bone fragments that have injured the skin.
- Check the pulse at the wrist to make sure there is good blood circulation in the hand.
- They will ask you to move your arm as much as you can and check your range of motion.
After that, they will order several tests to determine the exact nature of the fracture.
- X-rays: This is the most important and essential test. It can clearly show where the bone is broken and the nature of the break.
- CT Scan: In some complex fractures, a CT scan can help obtain a three-dimensional (3D) image of the bone and determine whether surgery is needed.
- MRI Scan: An MRI scan may be performed if there is suspicion that the fracture has damaged the surrounding ligaments or other soft tissues.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your fracture. There are two main treatment options.
1. Non-surgical Treatment
This treatment is used in cases where the bone is broken but the fragments remain in the same place ( non-displaced fracture ).
- Cast: A cast is placed on the elbow to help the bones align properly.
- Wearing a splint or sling: For some minor fractures, these are used to support the elbow and limit movement.
2. Surgical Treatment
If the bone fragments have become dislocated and have moved around ( displaced fracture)), surgery is needed to bring them back to their correct positions and fix them. Here, the doctor,
- The bone fragments are repositioned and fixed using small pins, screws, or metal plates to keep them in place.
Early treatment of fractures in children is very important because their bones are still developing, and if not treated promptly and properly, the bones may become misaligned or affect the function of the hand in the future.
How long does it take to heal?
This also varies depending on the nature of your accident.
- You usually have to wear a plaster or splint for about 3 to 6 weeks.
- Most people can return to normal activities after about 4 months.
- But it can sometimes take a year or more to fully heal and regain the strength and flexibility you had in your hand.
After removing the cast, you may feel stiffness in your hand, or you may not be able to bend or straighten your hand as much as you would like. This is normal. That's why your doctor will refer you to physical therapy . If you do the exercises your physical therapist teaches you exactly, you can quickly regain strength and movement in your hand.
When should you see a doctor immediately?
If you have an elbow injury and have any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
- If there is unbearable pain.
- If the shape of the elbow has clearly changed.
- If a broken bone has pierced the skin and is sticking out.
- If you have tingling or numbness in your hands or fingers.
Seeking treatment early is essential to prevent future complications and fully heal the hand.
Take-Home Message
- If you have an elbow injury and are experiencing severe pain and swelling, don't just assume you have a "sprain," but see a doctor immediately. It's best to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.
- Even if you can move your arm a little, there is a possibility that a bone may be broken. Therefore, it is imperative to get a medical examination.
- Follow the treatment (cast, surgery) given by the doctor exactly. Take painkillers as prescribed.
- It is normal for your hand to feel stiff after removing the plaster.Doing physical therapy exercises correctly is very important for a speedy recovery.
- Be patient during the healing process. Understand that it will take time to fully recover.
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