Restoring Function. Embracing Life.
Elbow Fractures Specialist in Singapore
Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada | With over 20-years of experience
What are Elbow Fractures?
An elbow fracture injury refers to a break or crack in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint. The elbow joint consists of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius, and the ulna (forearm bones). Fractures in these bones can occur due to various causes, including falls, accidents, direct impact, or high-energy trauma. Here's an overview of elbow fracture injuries:
Types of Elbow Fractures:
Radial Head Fracture:
This involves a break in the head (top) of the radius bone, often caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury).
Olecranon Fracture:
This is a fracture of the olecranon, the bony prominence at the back of the ulna. It can result from a direct blow to the elbow or a fall on the elbow.
Distal Humerus Fracture:
This type of fracture occurs at the lower end of the humerus bone and can involve various patterns. It breaks near the lower end of the humerus (common in adults after falls or high-impact trauma).
Combined Fractures:
This is more complex patterns like Monteggia fracture or fracture-disclocations.
What are the symptoms?
Sudden or severe pain, swelling, and tenderness around the elbow.
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the elbow.
Limited or complete loss of movement in the elbow joint, such as inability to bend or straighten the arm
Bruising and discoloration of the skin.
Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the hand or fingers due to potential nerve involvement.
How to Diagnose?
A physical examination to check stability, swelling and nerve function, and order of X-rays (which is first-line), and CT scan (for complex fracture patterns) will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, assess the type of fracture, and determine if there are any associated injuries.
Elbow Fractures Treatment Options
What are my Treatment options?
If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment. The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs. They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
Conservative Treatment
Some fractures may be able to manage non surgical way such as immobilisation, depending on the type and severity of the fracture. The elbow may be immobilised with a splint, cast, or brace to allow healing. Pain control and physiotherapy are recommended to manage the condition conservatively.
Surgical Treatment
Complex fractures or fractures that result in joint instability may require surgical intervention. Surgery involves realigning the bone fragments and using plates, screws, or other hardware to hold them in place. This may involves open reduction and internal fixation with plates, screws and pins; replacement of radial head (if severely shattered); and external fixation (for severe trauma with soft tissue injury).
