Elbow Fractures
What are Elbow Fractures?
Elbow fractures encompass a range of injuries to the bones forming the elbow joint, primarily the radial head, the olecranon (the tip of the ulna) and the distal humerus. They occur across all age groups, from childhood to older adults with osteoporosis. The elbow is particularly prone to stiffness following fracture, making early specialist rehabilitation critical to achieving a good functional outcome.
The management of elbow fractures ranges from simple immobilisation for undisplaced injuries to surgical fixation with hardware for displaced or comminuted fractures. Regardless of treatment method, regaining elbow movement, is the primary rehabilitation goal. Without specialist input, permanent elbow stiffness and functional limitation are common consequences.
What causes Elbow Fractures?
- Fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH): the most common mechanism for radial head fractures
- Direct blow to the back of the elbow: common cause of olecranon fractures
- High-energy trauma in road traffic accidents and contact sports
- Falls in older adults with osteoporosis, particularly distal humerus fractures
- Avulsion fractures from sudden muscle contraction: olecranon avulsion from triceps pull
Signs & symptoms
- Pain, swelling and bruising around the elbow immediately following injury
- Restricted elbow movement
- Loss of forearm rotation with pain and restriction
- Tenderness at the specific fracture site
- Deformity of the elbow in displaced or comminuted fractures
- Numbness or weakness in the forearm or hand if associated nerve injury is present
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Elbow Fractures. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
The elbow is one of the most stiffness-prone joints in the body. For stable fractures, early controlled mobilisation is initiated as soon as possible, often within days of injury or surgery. Ms Razo designs a progressive programme to restore elbow and forearm range of movement before contractures become established.
Orthoses are powerful tools to optimise healing and recover movement post-fracture. Ms Razo fabricates custom, thermoplastic orthosis to meet your individual needs.
Fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates, screws or wires and those treated with joint replacement, require carefully supervised post-operative rehabilitation. Ms Razo coordinates with the operating surgeon to protect fixation while maximising early movement.
Progressive upper limb, elbow and forearm strengthening rebuilds the muscle power required for daily activities, lifting, work and sport. Functional rehabilitation targets the patient's specific goals, from returning to manual work to resuming sport or overhead activities.
Frequently asked questions
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The elbow is more susceptible to stiffness than most other joints due to the close-fitting architecture of the joint, the abundant capsule surrounding it and its tendency to develop heterotopic ossification (bone forming within the soft tissues) following trauma. This is why early mobilisation is so important. Stiffness that becomes established is difficult to reverse without further surgical intervention.
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Specialist rehabilitation is strongly recommended following all but the most minor elbow fractures. The risk of permanent stiffness without appropriate therapeutic input is significant. Ms Razo provides specialist upper limb rehabilitation with a particular focus on the techniques most effective for restoring an optimal functional recovery.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.