Elbow fracture or dislocation

Elbow fractures and/or dislocations can occur from a minor fall or from a high impact injury like a car accident or a collision on skis. Generally, there is pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the elbow. Xrays are obtained to assess the type and extent of the injury. Depending on the injury, treatment may consist of a closed reduction in the emergency deparment followed by splinting, further imaging such as with a CT scan, or even surgery to fix the bones using pins or plates, or to repair any torn or ruptured ligaments. The elbow is a complex joint, and a full understanding of the injury is necessary to determine the best possible course of treatment. Dr. Yu will review your xrays and other studies with you, and help you understand what is required to restore elbow function and what to expect during and after treatment.

Read more:

  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)