The elbow joint is one of the most sensitive and complex joints in the body. Elbow fractures can occur as a result of various accidents and falls. Fractures can be simple as well as severe comminuted fractures. Especially, most of the fractures in children are seen around the elbow. Elbow fractures are very painful and make elbow movements difficult. The treatment process varies according to the severity and type of fractures.

What are the Symptoms of Elbow Fractures?

There may be complaints such as pain, swelling, bruising, and limitation of movement around the elbow. Hearing a sound during movement, a crunch may occur. Deformity and accompanying deterioration of skin integrity may be seen. Numbness or pallor in the hand suggests the possibility of nerve or vascular injury.

How to Diagnose Elbow Fractures?

Physical examination is very important in elbow fracture. If the examination findings and the patient's complaints indicate the presence of a fracture, the presence and regions of the fracture or fractures are tried to be understood by X-ray. Most elbow fractures can be diagnosed with accurate X-rays. If necessary, Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) methods can be used.

Treatment of Elbow Fractures

The biggest problems after the healing of elbow fractures are limitation of movement, formation of a stiff elbow or permanent deformities in the elbow. For these reasons, the primary aim when planning and applying the treatment of elbow fractures should be to start early elbow movement.

Non-surgical treatment methods such as cast or sling for elbow fractures are only valid for fractures that have not been displaced or separated. If the fracture position is appropriate, treatment can be done with a cast, sling or splint. The disadvantage of immobilizing this way is the possibility of resulting in the formation of a stiff elbow.

However, if the fracture is displaced, fragmented, or complicated, it may require surgical treatment. The normal anatomical position of all fractures is ensured during surgery. A firm (rigid) fixation is made and early movement is initiated.

The aim of the surgical treatment of elbow fractures is to prevent possible limitation of movement in the elbow with early movement and to ensure that the patient returns to his/her old life in the early period. That's why correct rehabilitation after elbow fracture surgery is very important. In this way, it is aimed to provide the former flexibility of the soft tissues around the elbow and to prevent the formation of scar tissue, and to reach full and painless range of motion.