Understanding your injury

The elbow is formed by the humerus, radius and ulna. Fractures may involve the radial head, the olecranon at the elbow tip, or the lower humerus. Some accompany a dislocation or ligament injury. Examination checks wounds, circulation, nerves, elbow stability and the rest of the arm. X-rays identify the injury; CT may help plan complex joint reconstruction. The exact pattern determines treatment.

Treatment and the procedure

Selected stable fractures can be treated with a sling, splint or brace and controlled movement. Displaced or unstable injuries may require fixation with plates, screws or wires and repair of associated soft tissues. A badly fragmented radial head may need replacement. Selected severe distal humerus fractures may be treated with elbow replacement, which brings long-term activity restrictions. Some displaced olecranon fractures in lower-demand patients can be managed without surgery after discussion.

Benefits, risks and expectations

If surgery is planned, discuss bleeding, anaesthetic risks and complex regional pain syndrome as well as the risks specific to your injury. Your general health and the extent of surgery affect your personal risk.

Treatment aims for a stable elbow with useful bending, straightening and forearm rotation. Stiffness is common, and some loss of movement may persist even when the fracture heals.
Discuss infection, wound problems, nerve or vessel injury, delayed healing, nonunion, loss of fixation, metalwork irritation and further surgery.
Cartilage damage can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. More complex injuries may need prolonged therapy or further treatment for stiffness or instability. Replacement introduces its own implant risks and loading limits.

Rehabilitation and aftercare

The repair's stability determines when movement begins and how long a splint or brace is needed. Follow the surgeon's written limits for lifting, pushing, pulling and forearm rotation. Do not use the injured arm to push up from a chair unless authorised. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy balances movement with protection of healing tissues. Keep dressings protected and move uninjured fingers and joints as instructed. Return to driving, work and sport needs individual assessment.

When to get urgent help

Go to A&E for a cold or discoloured hand, worsening numbness or weakness, or severe increasing pain. Seek prompt advice about fever, wound discharge or a tight splint.
Call 999 for chest pain or severe breathlessness.

Your consultation

Ask which bones and ligaments are injured, how stable the elbow is, what movement is permitted and whether further procedures are expected. The guide supports individual consent and rehabilitation planning.

Your consent discussion

Use the patient pack to record your priorities, the proposed procedure, its alternatives, the benefits you hope for and risks that matter to you. A clinician will discuss your individual circumstances and complete the appropriate hospital consent process with you.

Reading or downloading a guide does not give consent. You can ask further questions, decline treatment or change your mind before the procedure.

Elbow fractures