icing-injured-elbow

Elbow fractures may result from a fall, a direct impact to the elbow, or a twisting injury to the arm.

1.Olecranon Fractures:

These fractures are usually displaced.

X-Ray showing Olecranon fracture

Conservative management usually fails in this case.

Surgery is the usual stay of management

X-Ray showing olecranon fracture treated with k-wire
XRay showing olecranon fracture treated with plate and screws

2. Supracondylar Fractures:

Supracondylar fractures are the most common type of upper arm injury seen in children. These fractures are relatively rare in adults.

X-Ray showing Supracondylar Fracture

Causes:

It is caused by a fall on an outstretched elbow or a direct blow to the elbow.

Symptoms:

  • Sudden intense pain in the elbow and forearm.
  • Swelling & Numbness.

Management:

Non-Surgical:

For mild fractures, a cast or splint can be used to immobilize the joint.

Surgical:

Closed reduction with percutaneous pinning – Your surgeon will insert pins through the skin to rejoin the fractured parts of the bone. A splint is applied for the first week and then replaced by a cast.

X-Ray showing supracondylar fracture treated with k-wire

Open reduction with internal fixation- If the displacement is more severe or there is damage to the nerves or blood vessels, Open surgery will be required.

X-Ray showing supracondylar fracture treated with plates and screws

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