Fracture elbow
Description elbow fracture
Fracture elbow – the destruction of one or more bones, that make up the elbow. The bones of the elbow joint:
- Brachial bone – shoulder bone;
- Elbow bone – big bone forearm;
- Radius – the smaller bone of the forearm.
Reasons for breaking the elbow
Fracture associated with bone elbow injury. Trauma can cause:
- Falling on an outstretched hand;
- Falling directly on the elbow;
- Direct blow to the elbow;
- Twisting the elbow beyond the normal range of motion.
Risk factors for a fracture of the elbow
Factors, increase the risk of fracture of the elbow include:
- Advanced age;
- Reduced muscle mass;
- Osteoporosis (due to menopause or other disorders);
- Classes are certain sports (eg, football, hockey, fight, gymnastics).
Symptoms of a fracture of the elbow
Symptoms include:
- Pain, often heavy;
- Sensitivity, swelling and bruising around the elbow;
- Numbness in the fingers, hand or forearm;
- Reducing the range of motion of the elbow;
- Hidden or visible deformation on the fracture site.
Diagnosis of fracture of the elbow
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, About, how the accident occurred, will examine the injured area.
Tests may include:
- Roentgen – examination, which uses X-rays, to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones. It is used to search for fracture in the elbow area;
- CT scan – type of X-ray, which uses computer, to make pictures of structures inside the elbow. It used to take pictures of the cartilage and tendons of the elbow.
Treatment of fracture of the elbow
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. It includes:
- Installation of destroyed bone parts in the normal position. Sometimes the routine may require anesthesia, less often – surgery;
- Saving a stationary position the injured area, until the bone is not very srastetsya.
To keep bones immobile while healing can be used a variety of methods:
- The cast or splint (It can be used with or without surgery);
- Metal plate with screws (It requires surgery);
- Screws without additional retaining elements (It requires surgery);
Depending on the level of pain, the doctor may prescribe pain medicine.
To make sure, that the bones are not displaced, It can be made an additional x-ray.
Exercises at the turn of the elbow
- We need to start doing the exercises to increase range of motion of the elbow;
- The doctor says, When can I start training. For these purposes, you may be referred to a physical therapist;
- Do not go in for sports, elbow is fully healed.
Time elbow fracture healing
The duration of the elbow bone healing 8-10 weeks.
Prevention of fracture of the elbow
To prevent fractures elbow:
- Do not put yourself at risk of injury of the elbow bone;
- Eat a diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D;
- Train your muscles, to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.
