Elbow Fractures and Dislocations
Elbow Fractures and Dislocations in San Antonio, TX
A fall onto an outstretched hand, a sports collision or a car accident can break the bones of your elbow or force the joint out of place. These injuries are often painful and frightening, and prompt evaluation helps protect your elbow's motion and function.
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, with fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine. You can schedule an evaluation at his Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your elbow injury and the options that may fit your goals.
What Are Elbow Fractures and Dislocations?
An elbow fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form your elbow: the lower end of the upper arm bone (humerus) or the tops of the forearm bones (radius and ulna). An elbow dislocation occurs when these bones are forced out of their normal alignment. The two can happen together, and the ligaments that stabilize the elbow are often injured as well.
If you have pain at the front of the elbow after a heavy lift, see Distal Biceps Rupture. Long-term joint damage after these injuries is discussed on the Elbow Arthritis page.
Types of Elbow Fractures and Dislocations
- Radial head fracture: A break at the top of the radius, one of the most common elbow fractures in adults
- Olecranon fracture: A break of the bony tip of the elbow, often from a direct fall onto it
- Distal humerus fracture: A break at the lower end of the upper arm bone
- Simple dislocation: The joint is out of place without a major fracture
- Complex dislocation: A dislocation with associated fractures, such as the injury pattern called the "terrible triad"
Symptoms of Elbow Fractures and Dislocations
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden, severe pain at the elbow
- Swelling and bruising
- A visible deformity
- Inability to bend, straighten or rotate your arm
- Numbness, tingling or coldness in your hand or fingers
A deformed elbow, loss of feeling or a cold or pale hand requires immediate emergency care.
How Elbow Fractures and Dislocations Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis includes a history of the injury and an exam of your elbow, including checks of the nerves and blood flow to your hand. X-rays confirm most fractures and dislocations, and CT scans may help show the fracture pattern for treatment planning.
Nonsurgical Options to Try First
Some injuries can be treated without surgery. Options may include:
- Gently putting a dislocated elbow back into place, called a reduction, usually with sedation
- A splint, cast or sling for a short period
- Early, protected motion to prevent stiffness
- Pain and swelling control
- Physical therapy to restore motion and strength
Close follow-up with X-rays helps confirm that the bones stay in position.
When Surgery May Be Recommended
Surgery may be considered for fractures that are displaced, involve the joint surface or are unstable, for dislocations that will not stay in place, and for complex injuries with both fractures and ligament damage.
Surgical Options That May Be Considered
Surgical options may include realigning the bones and holding them with plates, screws or wires, repairing torn ligaments, or, for some badly broken radial head or distal humerus fractures, replacing part of the joint. The best option depends on your fracture pattern, bone quality and activity level.
Recovery
Stiffness is the most common problem after elbow injuries, so early protected motion is often encouraged once the elbow is stable. Therapy restores motion and then strength, and full recovery can take several months. See the Postoperative Instructions and Physical Therapy Protocols pages.
Why Choose Dr. Burns for Elbow Fractures and Dislocations in San Antonio, TX?
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine through the John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship. His practice centers on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, which gives him a sports medicine perspective on how injuries affect your activity, work and daily life.
Dr. Burns previously served as Chief of Sports Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where his clinical focus was complex shoulder, hip and knee injuries. He has been active in research and academic medicine, including more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. You can meet with him at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elbow Fractures and Dislocations
What are elbow fractures and dislocations?
They are injuries in which the bones of your elbow break, are forced out of place, or both, usually from a fall or impact.
Is a dislocated elbow an emergency?
Yes. A dislocated elbow should be seen right away so it can be put back in place and checked for nerve, blood vessel and bone injuries.
Do all elbow fractures need surgery?
No. Many stable, minimally displaced fractures heal with a splint or sling and early motion, while displaced or unstable fractures may need surgery.
Why is stiffness common after elbow injuries?
The elbow tends to stiffen quickly after injury, which is why early protected motion and therapy are often part of treatment.
How long does recovery take?
Usually several months. Your timeline depends on the injury, the treatment and how your therapy progresses.
Request an Appointment
If you have injured your elbow, an evaluation can help you understand the injury and your treatment options. Request an appointment in San Antonio with Dr. Burns at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your elbow fracture or dislocation options. You can call (210) 705-5060 to schedule a visit.
