Symptoms of an elbow break or fracture
The symptoms range from the obvious such as the snapping or grinding noise at the time of injury to more subtle signs of damage. A bone can be broken even it there is no sign of it breaking the skin and bleeding. Alternative symptoms include severe pain and tenderness, swelling and bruising, difficulty moving the elbow joint, as well as tingling and numbness.
Diagnosis of an elbow break or fracture
An elbow break or fracture should be initially treated at an accident and emergency unit. A physical examination will provide an early assessment and X-rays will be needed if a bone is broken or fractured to get an accurate picture of damage to the bone structure before treatment can be planned.
Treatment of an elbow break or fracture
Painkillers are normally administered in the first instance and a splint may be applied. Consultants may be able to re-align bones with expert manipulation but surgery may be required using wires, plates, pins and screws to restore the elbow’s shape and structure. A plaster cast may be used to give the elbow protection as it re-grows and heals.
Follow-up consultations and physiotherapy are essential to the full rehabilitation of the elbow.
Contact us
To ask a question, make an enquiry or book an appointment, contact our specialist team on 0207 078 3867 or [email protected], the team are available between Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9am – 3pm. Our elbow team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.