Elbow Fracture or Dislocation

Also known as: Olecranon Fracture, Radial Head Fracture, Elbow Joint Dislocation

The elbow is a complex joint that allows the arm to bend, straighten, and rotate. When one of the bones around the elbow breaks or the joint becomes dislocated, normal movement can become painful and difficult.

Fractured and dislocated elbows are common orthopedic injuries that can occur in patients of all ages. While some injuries are relatively straightforward to treat, others may involve damage to ligaments, cartilage, nerves, or surrounding soft tissues. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment plans designed to restore mobility, reduce pain, and help patients return to normal activities.

What Is a Fractured or Dislocated Elbow?

An elbow fracture occurs when one or more of the bones forming the elbow joint break. These bones include:

The humerus (upper arm bone)
The radius (forearm bone on the thumb side)
The ulna (forearm bone on the pinky side)

An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the joint are forced out of their normal alignment. Dislocations may occur alone or in combination with fractures and ligament injuries.

Because the elbow plays a critical role in upper extremity function, prompt treatment is often necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

What Types of Elbow Fractures and Dislocations Are There?

Several different injuries can affect the elbow joint.

Radial Head Fracture

A radial head fracture involves the top portion of the radius bone near the elbow. This is one of the most common elbow fractures in adults and often occurs after a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Olecranon Fracture

An olecranon fracture affects the bony prominence located at the tip of the elbow. These injuries can occur following direct trauma or falls and may significantly limit arm movement.

Distal Humerus Fracture

This type of fracture occurs at the lower end of the upper arm bone near the elbow joint. Distal humerus fractures can range from simple cracks to complex injuries involving multiple bone fragments.

Elbow Dislocation

An elbow dislocation occurs when the joint surfaces become separated. Some dislocations are simple, involving only the joint itself, while others are associated with fractures, ligament injuries, or nerve damage.

What Causes a Fractured or Dislocated Elbow?

Most elbow fractures and dislocations occur as the result of trauma.

Common causes include:

Falls onto an outstretched hand
Direct blows to the elbow
Sports-related injuries
Motor vehicle accidents
Workplace injuries
Bicycle accidents
Contact sports collisions
High-impact recreational activities

Older adults with osteoporosis may be at increased risk for fractures following relatively minor falls.

What Are Fractured or Dislocated Elbow Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and type of injury.

Common signs and symptoms include:

Severe elbow pain
Swelling around the joint
Bruising
Deformity or abnormal appearance of the elbow
Inability to fully bend or straighten the arm
Stiffness
Tenderness to touch
Instability of the elbow joint
Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
Weakness when attempting to move the arm

Patients with a dislocated elbow are often unable to move the joint normally until proper treatment is provided.

How Is a Fractured or Dislocated Elbow Diagnosed?

Diagnosing an elbow injury begins with a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

Review of symptoms and injury history
Physical examination
Assessment of elbow stability
Evaluation of nerve and blood vessel function
X-rays
CT scans for complex fractures
MRI imaging when ligament or soft tissue injuries are suspected

Advanced imaging can help determine the full extent of the injury and guide treatment recommendations.

How Is a Fractured or Dislocated Elbow Treated?

Treatment depends on the specific injury, the severity of the damage, and the patient’s activity level and goals.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Elbow Fractures and Dislocations

Some elbow injuries can be successfully managed without surgery.

Nonsurgical treatment options may include:

Splinting or casting
Sling immobilization
Closed reduction of a dislocation
Activity modification
Pain management
Physical therapy
Range-of-motion exercises

The goal of conservative treatment is to allow proper healing while minimizing stiffness and loss of function.

Elbow Fracture and Dislocation Surgery

Surgery may be recommended when:

Bones are displaced
The joint is unstable
Multiple fractures are present
Ligaments are severely damaged
Nerve or blood vessel injuries occur
Conservative treatment is unlikely to restore function

Surgical options may include:

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
Plate and screw fixation
Pin fixation
Ligament repair or reconstruction
Radial head replacement
Elbow reconstruction procedures

Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan based on your injury and recovery goals.

What Does Elbow Fracture or Dislocation Recovery Look Like?

Recovery varies depending on the nature and severity of the injury.

Minor fractures and simple dislocations may heal within several weeks, while more complex injuries can require several months of recovery and rehabilitation.

Recovery often includes:

Temporary immobilization
Physical therapy
Progressive strengthening exercises
Flexibility and mobility training
Gradual return to sports, work, and recreational activities

Following your rehabilitation program is critical for restoring normal motion and preventing long-term stiffness.

What Complications Can Occur Following an Elbow Injury?

Without proper treatment, elbow fractures and dislocations can lead to ongoing problems.

Potential complications include:

Chronic pain
Elbow stiffness
Loss of range of motion
Joint instability
Arthritis
Nerve injury
Improper bone healing
Weakness in the affected arm

Early treatment and rehabilitation can help reduce the risk of these complications. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we have options like our orthopedic urgent care to ensure patients are seen in a timely manner for urgent needs.

Get Expert Fractured or Dislocated Elbow Care at Fox Valley Orthopedics

A fractured or dislocated elbow can interfere with work, sports, and everyday activities. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our experienced specialists provide comprehensive care for elbow injuries, including advanced imaging, fracture management, rehabilitation, and surgical treatment when necessary.

Whether your treatment involves immobilization, physical therapy, fracture fixation, joint reconstruction, or surgery, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort, strength, and confidence. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an elbow fracture or dislocation, schedule an appointment with Fox Valley Orthopedics today by calling (855) 386-7846 to discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.