Elbow Fractures
Three bones, the humerus, radius and ulna, make up the elbow joint. Elbow fractures may occur from trauma, resulting from various reasons; some of them being a fall on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the elbow, or an abnormal twist to the joint beyond its functional limit. The types of elbow fractures include:
- Radial head and neck fractures: Fractures in the head portion of the radius bone are referred to as radial head and neck fractures.
- Olecranon fractures: These are the most common elbow fractures, occurring at the bony prominence of the ulna.
- Distal humerus fractures: These fractures are common in children and elderly people. Nerves and arteries in the joint may sometimes be injured in these fractures.
Symptoms of an elbow fracture include pain, bruising, stiffness, swelling in and around the elbow, a popping or cracking sound, numbness or weakness in the arm, wrist and hand, and deformity of the elbow bones.
To diagnose an elbow fracture X-rays of the joint are taken. In some cases, a CT scan may be needed to view the details of the joint surface.
The aim of treatment is to maximize early motion and to reduce the risk of stiffness. Nonsurgical treatment options include pain medication, ice application, the use of a splint or a sling to immobilize the elbow during the healing process and physical therapy. Surgery is indicated in displaced and open fractures to realign the bones and stabilize the joint with screws, plates, pins and wires. Strengthening exercises are recommended to improve the range of motion.
Our Providers: Shoulder and Elbow Specialists
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John Baker, MD
Practice Name
Orthopedic Surgery- Knee
- Shoulder
- Sports Medicine
Wayne Z. Burkhead, MD
Practice Name
Orthopedic Surgery
Total Joint Replacement- Shoulder
- Shoulder Replacement
- Sports Medicine
Daniel E. Cooper, M.
Practice Name
Orthopedic Surgery- Knee
- Shoulder
- Sports Injuries
- Sports Medicine (10 years and older)
Kurt Kitziger, MD
Practice Name
- Kurt Kitziger, MD
- W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic
- 214-220-2468
- Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance Member
Orthopedic Surgery
Total Joint Replacement- Hip Replacement
- Anterior Hip Approach
- Posterior Hip Approach
- Shoulder Replacement
- Hip Injuries
- Knee Replacement
- Knee Injuries
- Sports Medicine (5 years and older)
Todd Moen, MD
Practice Name
- Todd Moen, MD
- W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic
- 214-220-2468
- Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance Member
Orthopedic Surgery- Elbow
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Shoulder Replacement
- Sports Medicine
Mark Muller, MD
Practice Name
Orthopedic Surgery
Total Joint Replacement- Hip
- Hip Replacement
- Knee
- Knee Replacement
- Shoulder
- Shoulder Replacement
- Sports Medicine (5 years and older)
James R. Sackett, MD
Practice Name
Orthopedic Surgery- Sports Medicine (Birth -13 years)- Club Feet, Sports Injuries
- Sports Medicine (Birth-18 years)- Fractures, Hip, Knee, Scoliosis, Shoulders
- Sports Medicine (13 years – 18 years)- Ankle, Foot, Forearm, Wrist, Wrist Fractures
Daniel Worrel, MD
Practice Name
- W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic
- 214-220-2468
- Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance Member
Orthopedic Surgery/Total Joint Replacement- Elbow
- Elbow Replacement
- Knee
- Knee Replacement
- Shoulder
- Shoulder Replacement
- Sports Medicine (13 years and older)
- Wrist Fractures
Thomas Diliberti, MD
Practice Name
Orthopedic Surgery
Total Joint Replacement- Elbow
- Elbow Replacement
- Finger
- Forearm
- Hand
- Joint Finger Replacement
- Sports Medicine (7 years and older)
- Wrist
Megan M. Wood, MD
Practice Name
Specialty & Sub-Specialties
Orthopedic Surgery- Elbow
- Hand
- Wrist
- Fractures
- Sports Medicine
- Treats all ages (birth-adult)
