Broken Elbow Compensation

A broken elbow can occur in any age group and is always going to require medical attention.  A child’s injured elbow will be looked at slightly differently due to the bones still growing.  The earlier the injury is found, the better the chance of full rehabilitation.

The elbow is a joint formed by three bones:

1. Humerus – the single bone going from the shoulder to the elbow
2. Radius – one of the two bones that run from the elbow to the wrist
3. Ulna – second of the two bones that go from the elbow to the wrist

A broken elbow is when one or more of the 3 bones that make up the elbow have a break, otherwise known as a fracture.  Breaks in the elbow can affect mobility, as well as functions of blood vessels and nerves. 

Causes of a broken elbow:

• A fall
• Car accidents
• Direct blow to elbow
• Over-use (usually seen with athletes)

Symptoms of a broken elbow are normally:

• Swelling on the elbow or around the elbow
• Mobility has become restricted
• Movement Tests:
  Trying to flex the arm 
  Trying to twist the hand and forearm 
  Trying to extend the arm to the straightened position
• Severe pain on the elbow
• Substantial bruising or cuts
• Forearm feeling tingly and slightly numb

Treatment of a broken elbow

Before seeking emergency care for a broken elbow, ice can be placed on the swollen area and the arm should be kept as still as possible.  The elbow will be confirmed to be broken by an X-ray, CT scan, or a MRI.

Treatment for a broken elbow ranges due to the severity of the injury and the age of the person.  In many cases pain medication is given, a doctor will reset the bones, the elbow is splinted (usually in a plaster splint), and the person is sent home to apply ice to the swollen area. The splint is used to keep the elbow from moving.  The splint is usually put from the wrist to near the shoulder to prohibit any movement that may hinder the healing.  In more severe breaks, surgery may be required to repair blood vessels, bones and/or nerves.

A compound break, one where a bone has come through the skin, should always have surgery.  The bone will need to be sterilized to avoid infection and the bones need to be put into place.  There may be some physical therapy required especially if surgery is involved to make sure the bone and the nerves recover fully.