Elbow Fracture Treatment in ILlinois

We Provide Care for All Types of Fractures

Three bones come together, forming the elbow. The complex joint connects the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two bones of the forearm (ulna and radius), creating a flexible, hinge-like mechanism. Joined by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, each of the bones is susceptible to fracture, which can occur anywhere on the arm. Near the elbow, for example, a distal humerus fracture impacts the upper arm bone, while other types of breaks affect the bony protrusions extending from the ulna.

Cause

Acute trauma is a common cause of broken bones near the elbow. A sports-related elbow fracture may occur as the result of a fall or a direct blow to the affected area. Indirect causes may also lead to elbow fracture, stemming from athletic injuries to other parts of the arm and wrist. Falling on an outstretched hand, for example, can cause bones to break near the elbow.

Description

Several types of breaks occur close to the elbow, including these three typical elbow fractures.

• Olecranon fracture – The bony elbow “point” extending from the forearm’s ulna is susceptible to fracture. Olecranon breaks often result from a fall or direct blow to a bent elbow. Since the triceps muscle attaches to this bone, it may also be broken by a forceful contraction of the muscle.
• Radial head fracture – Commonly caused by falling on an outstretched hand, radial head fracture is a break to the radius, near the elbow. This type of fracture is thought to account for approximately 20% of elbow breaks, and may not be the only break resulting from a particular elbow injury.
• Fracture of the coronoid process – Another piece of bone extending from the ulna, the coronoid process may be fractured as a result of accidental trauma or sports injury. In many cases, coronoid process fracture is tied to elbow dislocation.

Symptoms

Fractures occurring near the elbow can cause the following symptoms:

• Sudden severe pain in elbow and forearm
• Occasional numbness in hand
• Elbow pain after a fall
• Difficultly straightening arm

Call (630) 584-1400 to schedule an appointment at Fox Valley Orthopedics today.