Elbow Fractures

Elbow fractures can be painful and significantly limit arm movement, making daily activities difficult. These injuries are often the result of falls, sports injuries, or direct trauma and require prompt attention to ensure proper healing. At Austin Sports Medicine, serving Central and South Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, the experienced orthopedic team offers expert care for elbow fractures. From diagnosis through recovery, the team provides comprehensive treatment plans to restore mobility and reduce long-term complications. If you’ve injured your elbow or are experiencing persistent pain, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are the signs of an elbow fracture?

An elbow fracture may not always be obvious, but several key symptoms can signal a break or crack in the bone:

• Sudden, sharp pain in the elbow after a fall or impact
• Swelling and bruising around the elbow or forearm
• Limited ability to bend or straighten the arm
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• A visible deformity or the elbow appearing out of place
• Tenderness to touch or pressure
  

If you notice any of these symptoms—especially after trauma or a fall—it's important to get evaluated right away. Delaying treatment can lead to poor healing, joint stiffness, or even nerve damage.

What are the causes of an elbow fracture?

Elbow fractures occur when one or more of the bones that form the elbow joint are broken. These include the humerus (upper arm), radius, and ulna (forearm bones). Causes often include:

• Falling on an outstretched arm: The most common cause of elbow fractures
• Direct impact to the elbow: From contact sports or accidents
• Twisting injuries: Less common, but can occur during intense physical activity
• High-impact trauma: Such as car or bike accidents
  

Children, athletes, and older adults are particularly susceptible to elbow fractures due to bone fragility, high activity levels, or balance issues.

How is an elbow fracture diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose an elbow fracture, a provider will begin with a physical exam, looking for signs of tenderness, swelling, or limited motion. Diagnostic tools may include:

• X-rays: The primary method for confirming the presence and type of fracture
• CT scan: Used for more complex or unclear fractures
• Physical evaluation: To assess nerve or blood vessel involvement

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture:

• Immobilization: Many simple fractures can be treated with a cast, splint, or sling to keep the arm stable while it heals
• Closed reduction: If bones are out of alignment, they may be realigned manually before immobilization
• Surgery: For severe or displaced fractures, surgery may be needed to insert pins, plates, or screws and restore joint stability
  

Post-treatment rehabilitation often includes physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and prevent stiffness.

At Austin Sports Medicine, the team is dedicated to providing expert care and personalized recovery plans for every patient. If you've suffered an elbow injury, schedule a consultation to begin your path to healing.