Elbow Fracture in Northampton & Corby
Your Local Experts in Elbow Pain
Are you struggling with Elbow PAIN and looking for effective, professional treatment? At Team Rehab UK Ltd, our dedicated clinics in Brixworth and Corby offer premium physiotherapy services to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free. With a minimum of 24 years of experience each, our highly skilled chartered physiotherapists are committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding Elbow Fractures
Introduction to Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures can be a painful and debilitating injury that significantly impacts your daily life. The elbow is a complex hinge joint that plays a crucial role in the movement and function of your arm. Whether you've sustained a fracture from a fall or a direct blow, it’s important to understand the nature of the injury and the treatment options available to you.
The elbow is a remarkable joint that plays a crucial role in the functionality and versatility of your arm. It is where three bones meet to form a complex hinge joint that not only allows for bending and straightening of the arm but also for rotational movements, enabling you to perform everyday tasks with ease.
Humerus: This is the long bone of the upper arm that extends from the shoulder to the elbow. The lower end of the humerus features two rounded protrusions called the medial and lateral epicondyles, which serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments that control the movement of the elbow and forearm.
Radius and Ulna: These are the two bones of the forearm. The radius is located on the thumb side of the forearm, while the ulna is on the little finger side. The radius allows for the rotational movement of the forearm (pronation and supination), while the ulna provides stability and supports the hinge motion of the elbow.
These three bones come together at three distinct joints within the elbow:
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Ulnohumeral Joint: This is the hinge joint between the ulna and the humerus, responsible for the bending and straightening of the arm.
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Radiohumeral Joint: This joint between the radius and the humerus contributes to the flexion and extension of the elbow, as well as its rotational movements.
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Proximal Radioulnar Joint: Located between the radius and the ulna, this joint is key for the rotation of the forearm, allowing you to turn your hand palm up or palm down.
The stability and function of the elbow are maintained by a network of soft tissues:
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Cartilage: Smooth cartilage covers the ends of the bones where they meet at the joint, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement.
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Tendons: Tendons are strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. The key tendons of the elbow, such as the biceps and triceps tendons, allow for the powerful bending and extending of the arm.
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Ligaments: Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones. The elbow ligaments, including the ulnar collateral ligament and radial collateral ligament, provide stability to the joint, especially during dynamic activities.
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Muscles: Several muscles cross the elbow joint, contributing to both its movement and stability. The major muscle groups include the flexors (like the biceps) and extensors (like the triceps).
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Nerves and Blood Vessels: The elbow is home to important nerves, such as the ulnar nerve (commonly known as the "funny bone"), which runs along the inner side of the elbow. Blood vessels supply the necessary nutrients to the joint and surrounding tissues.
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Bursae: These are small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues, especially where muscles or tendons pass over bone.
Together, these elements make the elbow a highly functional and dynamic joint. Understanding elbow anatomy not only deepens your appreciation of how your arm works but also highlights the complexity of injuries like fractures. A fracture in any of these bones or damage to the surrounding soft tissues can significantly impact your ability to perform even the simplest tasks, making proper diagnosis and treatment essential.
Causes of Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures are often the result of significant trauma to the joint. The elbow is a relatively strong and stable joint, but when it is subjected to extreme forces, the bones can crack or break. Understanding the various causes of elbow fractures can help in both prevention and treatment.
A Direct Hit or Blow to the Elbow Joint:
A direct impact to the elbow, such as being struck by an object during sports or an accident, can generate enough force to break one or more of the bones in the elbow joint. This type of injury is common in contact sports like football or rugby, where collisions are frequent, or in situations like a car accident where the elbow might hit a hard surface with considerable force.
Falling Onto an Outstretched Arm:
One of the most common causes of elbow fractures is falling onto an outstretched arm. When you fall, your natural instinct is to extend your arms to break the fall, but this can place immense stress on the elbow joint. The force of the fall is transmitted through the hand and forearm directly to the elbow, often resulting in fractures, particularly in the radial head or olecranon.
A Twisting Injury of the Elbow:
Twisting or torsional forces can also lead to elbow fractures. This type of injury can occur in situations where the arm is suddenly forced into an unnatural position, such as during a fall where the arm gets caught in an awkward angle, or in sports where the arm is twisted forcefully. These injuries can cause fractures in the bones of the elbow or damage to the ligaments and soft tissues that support the joint.
Understanding these common causes can help in avoiding situations that put your elbow at risk. However, accidents happen, and when they do, it’s crucial to recognise the symptoms of a fracture and seek appropriate care.
Recognising the Symptoms of Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures can present with a variety of symptoms, and recognizing them early is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. If you suspect you’ve sustained an elbow fracture, being aware of the following symptoms can help you get the medical attention you need:
Swelling, Tenderness, Stiffness, and Bruising Around the Elbow:
One of the most immediate signs of an elbow fracture is swelling. The body’s inflammatory response to injury causes fluid to accumulate around the joint, leading to noticeable swelling. This is often accompanied by tenderness to the touch, stiffness in the joint, and visible bruising as blood vessels are damaged in the area.
Restricted Movement and Pain, Especially When Trying to Stretch the Elbow:
A fracture can severely limit your ability to move the elbow. You may find it difficult or impossible to fully straighten or bend your arm. Pain is often sharp and increases with movement, particularly when attempting to stretch or put weight on the elbow. This pain is a key indicator that the bones may be out of alignment or that there is significant damage to the surrounding tissues.
Possible Damage to Nerves or Arteries, Leading to Decreased Range of Motion or Numbness in the Fingers, Hand, or Forearm:
The elbow is home to several important nerves and blood vessels, such as the ulnar nerve (which runs along the inside of the elbow). A fracture can potentially damage these structures, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the fingers, hand, or forearm. In severe cases, there may be a loss of circulation to the hand, which can present as a pale or cold hand. These symptoms are serious and require immediate medical attention.
A Popping or Cracking Sensation in the Elbow:
Some people may hear or feel a popping or cracking sensation at the moment of injury. This can be a sign that the bones have fractured or that ligaments have been torn. Even if this sensation is not immediately followed by severe pain, it should not be ignored, as it indicates that significant damage may have occurred. Recognising these symptoms early on is essential. Prompt treatment can prevent complications such as improper healing, chronic pain, or long-term disability.
Diagnosing an Elbow Fracture
If you suspect that you have sustained an elbow fracture, it is crucial to consult a specialist in Accident and Emergency first. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring a full recovery and preventing long-term complications. Here’s how an elbow fracture is typically diagnosed:
Physical Examination:
The first step in diagnosing an elbow fracture is a thorough physical examination by your specialist. They will assess the injury by checking for signs of swelling, bruising, and deformity in the elbow. They will also test the range of motion and may apply gentle pressure to assess pain levels and determine the precise location of the fracture.
X-ray:
An X-ray is one of the most common and effective tools for diagnosing fractures. It provides a clear image of the bone structure, allowing your shoulder specialist in Northampton to identify the location and extent of the fracture. X-rays can show if the bone is broken, how many fragments there are, and whether the fracture is aligned or displaced. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
CT Scan (Computerized Tomography):
In some cases, a CT scan may be recommended. This imaging technique provides more detailed views of the bone and can reveal fractures that may not be visible on an X-ray. A CT scan is particularly useful for complex fractures, such as those involving multiple bone fragments or when the fracture extends into the joint. It also helps in planning surgical interventions if needed.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):An MRI is used to get a detailed look at both the bones and the surrounding soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. While it’s not always necessary for diagnosing a simple fracture, an MRI can be helpful in cases where there may be associated injuries to the soft tissues or when the X-ray and CT scan results are inconclusive. An MRI can also help in evaluating the extent of any nerve damage.
Ensuring Optimal Treatment Outcomes
At Team Rehab UK, we emphasise that treatments which are not effective should not continue beyond accepted clinical timescales without further in-depth investigations. We prefer these additional assessments to be conducted by consultant specialists outside our company’s financial interests. This approach ensures we receive an unbiased second opinion, guaranteeing that the care you receive is the most clinically appropriate.
Treatment of Elbow Fractures
When it comes to treating an elbow fracture, the approach varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. Each treatment option is designed to ensure proper healing and to restore the function of the elbow as fully as possible. Here’s a closer look at the different treatment strategies:
Rest:
Rest is the cornerstone of healing for any fracture, including those of the elbow. During the initial stages of recovery, it is crucial to keep the elbow immobilised to allow the bones to heal properly. This period of rest typically lasts between 6 to 10 weeks, during which the body works to mend the broken bones. It's important to avoid any activities that could stress the elbow, as premature movement can disrupt the healing process and lead to complications such as malunion, where the bones heal in an incorrect position.
Non-Surgical Treatment:
Non-surgical, or conservative, treatment is often the first line of defense, especially for fractures where the bones have not been displaced. This approach involves the use of a cast or splint to stabilise the elbow joint, keeping the bones in place as they heal. For children, this method is particularly effective because their bones heal faster and with less risk of stiffness. Adults, too, can benefit from non-surgical treatment, though they may require a longer period of immobilisation and a more gradual reintroduction to movement. The cast or splint is typically worn for several weeks, during which time regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process.
Medications:
Managing pain is a critical aspect of recovery from an elbow fracture. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, are often sufficient to keep discomfort at bay. In some cases, stronger prescription medications may be necessary, particularly in the days following the injury. Additionally, if the fracture is open (where the bone has broken through the skin) or if there is a significant risk of infection, your consultant may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. These medications not only help manage pain but also play a key role in preventing complications that could delay healing.
Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy is an indispensable part of the recovery process, especially once the initial healing has taken place. After weeks of immobilsation, the muscles around the elbow can become weak, and the joint itself may be stiff. A physiotherapist in Northampton will work with you to develop a customised rehabilitation program that includes exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Early and consistent physiotherapy is essential to avoid long-term stiffness and to restore the elbow's functionality. Depending on the severity of the injury, therapy might start with gentle passive movements and progress to more active exercises as healing continues. This process can be gradual, but it is crucial for a full recovery.
Managing Pain and Swelling:
Throughout your recovery, managing pain and swelling is crucial. In addition to medications, your physiotherapist may recommend techniques such as ice therapy, elevation, and compression to reduce swelling and discomfort. Pain management is key to ensuring that you can participate fully in your rehabilitation program and make steady progress.
Returning to Daily Activities:
As your strength and flexibility improve, you’ll begin to gradually reintroduce daily activities. This process should be guided by your physiotherapist to ensure that you’re not overloading the joint too soon. Depending on the nature of your work or hobbies, you may need to make temporary modifications to avoid putting too much strain on the healing elbow.
Your physiotherapist will provide guidance on when and how to safely return to your usual activities, including sports or heavy lifting.
Surgery:
In more severe cases, where the bones are displaced or the fracture is unstable, surgery may be required to realign and stabilise the bone fragments. Surgical options may include the use of plates, screws, or pins to hold the bones in place as they heal. This is often necessary for intra-articular fractures, where the joint surface is involved, or for complex fractures that cannot be adequately treated with a cast alone. The goal of surgery is to ensure that the bones heal in the correct alignment, which is critical for preserving the elbow's range of motion and preventing future complications such as arthritis.
After surgery, a period of immobilisation is still required, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Untreated or improperly treated fractures can lead to a range of complications, including decreased strength, restricted movement, and chronic pain. Therefore, prompt and appropriate treatment is vital to ensure the best possible outcome.
We have included this video animation to help you visualise the anatomy that we, as professionals, often take for granted. At Team Rehab UK, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand the causes of their symptoms, empowering them to effectively manage their condition both during and after their treatment.
Please note that some of our videos may be of American origin and might contain slightly different professional terms or approaches compared to those used in the UK. However, the content remains highly informative and beneficial. You should seek advice form your UK based specialist before trying any advice contained, or inferred, in the video you ensure it complies with UK best practice standards.
Summary
Dealing with an elbow fracture can be a daunting and challenging experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Team Rehab uk in Northampton (Brixworth) and Corby), our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from the initial care through to full recovery. Our comprehensive approach ensures that you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, helping you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your daily activities.
If you’re currently struggling with shoulder pain in Northampton or require specialised care for an elbow injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our expertise in elbow physiotherapy in Northampton and elbow rehabilitation makes us a trusted partner in your recovery journey.
Additionally, sharing this page with friends, colleagues, or family members who might benefit from this information is a great way to spread the word about the expert care available in your community. By sharing, you can help others access the support they need to overcome their injuries and return to the activities they love.
Your journey to recovery starts here—contact us today to take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.
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