Penn Medicine provides advanced care for elbow pain and elbow fractures, combining specialized expertise and personalized treatments. Our patient-centered approach focuses on restoring full elbow function, minimizing pain, and enabling patients to return to their active lifestyles as quickly as possible.

Types of elbow fractures

Types of elbow fractures include:

  • Distal humerus fracture: The distal humerus is the bone that connects the elbow to the shoulder joint. It meets the radius and ulna to make up the upper part of the elbow joint. These types of elbow fractures are uncommon.
  • Olecranon fracture: The olecranon is the bony tip of the elbow and part of the ulna. You can see the olecranon when you bend your arm. Olecranon fracture is one of the most common elbow fractures, because the bone is not protected by soft tissue such as tendons, muscles or ligaments. If you experience a fall or direct blow to the olecranon it can easily fracture.
  • Radial head and neck fractures: Radial fractures can easily occur with elbow dislocation (when the joints in the elbow separate and come out of socket). They are also common when you use your hands to break a fall.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a Penn orthopaedic specialist to determine if you have fractured your elbow:

  • Bruising that extends up the arm
  • Elbow deformity
  • Elbow instability
  • Elbow pain when moving the arm and elbow
  • Numbness in the elbow area and in one or more fingers
  • Swelling over the olecranon or tip of the elbow
  • Tenderness, redness and warmth around the elbow

Diagnosing elbow fractures

To diagnose an elbow fracture, a Penn orthopaedic specialist/surgeon will examine your elbow and discuss your recent injury. They will order advanced imaging tests to see where the fracture has occurred and how severe the break is. Our musculoskeletal radiologists are experts in reading and interpreting scans from highly specialized diagnostic tests and tools that lead to an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment plan.

These diagnostic imaging tests include:

Treatment options for elbow fractures

Elbow fractures can be non-displaced (when the bones have not moved out of the correct position) or displaced (when the bones are seriously fractured and fragments may have separated causing the bones to move out of place).

Treatment depends on the type of elbow fracture you have and the severity of your condition. For non-displaced elbow fractures, non-surgical options effectively treat the fracture. Displaced elbow fractures usually require surgery to repair the fracture and reconstruction of ligaments and tendons, if necessary.

Elbow fracture treatment at Penn Medicine

Elbow fracture surgery recovery

After surgery you will need plenty of rest and to keep your elbow and arm immobilized in a splint. You should keep the elbow elevated if possible and ice the area to help decrease swelling. Non-prescription medications can be used to help alleviate pain. We offer an advanced pain management program that effectively treats pain with less dependence on narcotics. Decreasing pain makes recovery easier. As you heal, you will work with a physical therapist who will recommend exercises to restore mobility and function.

Recovering from elbow fracture surgery is different for everyone and can take up to several months. Speak with your doctor about what your recovery will involve.

Personalized elbow fracture rehabilitation programs

Penn physical therapists, orthopaedic specialists and pain management specialists work closely to provide personalized recovery plans that ensure the best possible outcome. Your recovery will depend on a variety of factors including the severity of your elbow fracture and the type of surgery you had. Our rehabilitation programs take into account your lifestyle, unique needs and personal goals for recovery. Your treatment does not end with surgery. We continue to work with you for as long as needed to restore function and eliminate or greatly reduce your pain.

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