How long does it take a broken elbow to heal

An elbow fracture is a partial or complete break in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint. The bones that form the elbow joint are the:

Humerus

The bone in the upper arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow.

Ulna

The bone in the forearm on the little finger side.

Radius

The bone in the forearm on the thumb side.

The bone fracture can be only part of an injury, with the ligaments that stabilise and control the movement within the elbow also damaged. Other structures of the elbow that can be damaged include the tendons blood vessels and nerves.

signs and symptoms

An elbow fracture can be identified by the following signs and symptoms:

• Severe pain, tenderness
• Limited range of motion – failure to properly bend.
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Numbness in the forearm, hand or fingers
• Deformity

common causes

A fracture in the elbow is caused by trauma to the bones. Trauma could have resulted from falling directly on the elbow, falling awkwardly on an outstretched arm, suffering a forceful and sudden blow to the elbow, or twisting the elbow beyond the normal range of motion.

x-ray

An image is taken of the fracture to identify it and determine how it should be managed. Fractures that are moved out of position require treatment to restore their alignment and enable recovery. Fractures that remain in position need to be supported until healed.

treatment – non-operative

There are a number of non-surgical treatments that can treat an acute elbow fracture.

Ice

An ice pack can be applied for 15-20 minutes every hour to help decrease swelling and pain, and potentially prevent tissue damage.

Elevation

Elevating the injured elbow above the level of your heart can decrease swelling and pain. While the elbow is elevated, wiggle your fingers and open and close them to prevent stiffness in the hand.

Bandage support

A cast, brace, sling or splint will limit arm movement, but ensure the fractured bones are protected from further damage and held firmly in place while they heal.

Medication

Tablets and creams to relieve pain maybe required.

treatment – surgery

Depending on its severity, a surgical procedure may be required to treat an elbow fracture. The techniques used for treatment include:

Internal fixation

Plates and screws are inserted to gain stability of the fractured bones to enable early movement and improve healing.

Arthroplasty

In severe damage, it may require the removal of the fractured part of the elbow and its replacement with either a metal, ceramic or plastic implant that functions like the elbow joint.

Fragment excision

The broken pieces of bone are removed from the elbow if they compromise movement.

Bone graft

A bone graft replaces lost bone from the fracture. The graft can be obtained from another area of your or a donor’s body, or synthetic bone graft can be used. This procedure will help the bones to heal and maintain strength.

recovery

In general, it can take 6 to 10 weeks for a fractured elbow to heal. Regular activities will have to be adjusted to improve the functional recovery. Initial first aid treatments will further help post-operatively with any discomfort and swelling. A full functional recovery can take many months.

A sportsmed physiotherapist will provide a rehabilitation program including rage-of-motion and strengthening exercises to assist in the recovery and improve movement and strength in the elbow.

risks and complications

As with all surgical procedures, elbow surgery does involve some risks. While your sportsmed orthopaedic surgeon will take every precaution necessary to minimise risk, complications can occur that may have permanent repercussions.

Some specific risks related to elbow fracture surgery include:

• General pain
• Stiffness in the elbow
• Lack of elbow strength
• Infection
• Nerve damage leading to poor arm movement and numbness
• Blood vessel damage
• Arthritis
• The artificial material (metal screws, pins etc.) in the elbow may cause pain requiring further surgery for their removal
• Loss of fracture stability

contact

This fact sheet is a brief overview of an elbow fracture, produced by our Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Surgeon Dr Nick Wallwork. To make an appointment or enquiry with Dr Wallwork or one of our upper limb specialists, contact 08 8362 7788 or email [email protected].

A fractured elbow can take more than a year to fully heal, although most people recover within 3 months with proper treatment. The time it takes for a broken elbow to heal depends on the type of fracture and whether it is treated nonsurgically or surgically.

Depending on the type of fracture, your arm will be placed in a cast or splint for 3-6 weeks, after which physical therapy is often recommended to regain lost strength and muscle tone and enhance range of motion. You may be able to resume normal activities within about 4-8 months.

What is an elbow fracture?

An elbow fracture occurs when one or more of the three bones in the elbow (radius, ulna, and humerus) are broken. Elbow fractures can also cause injury to the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels that surround the bones, requiring immediate medical attention.

Types of elbow fractures include:

• Nondisplaced: Bone has cracked or broken but stayed in place
• Displaced: Two ends of the broken bone shifted from their original position
• Comminuted: Bone has cracked or broken into many pieces
• Open: Broken bone went through the skin

Elbow fractures can range in severity and are divided into categories I to III:

• Type I: Bone is fractured but still in its normal position
• Type II: A piece or part of the bone has fractured and shifted from its normal position
• Type III: There are multiple fractures in the bone

Type I and II fractures are typically treated without surgery; however, type III fractures are usually treated surgically. 

What are different types of elbow fractures?

Because the bony tip of the elbow is fragile and lacks adequate soft tissue protection, elbows can shatter in a number of ways depending on the nature of the damage. Common elbow fractures include

• Olecranon fracture: The olecranon is a protruding bony portion of the elbow.  This bony surface can be broken by a fall or another direct force on the region.
• Fractured radial head: The elbow joint is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus) and two forearm bones (ulna and radius). The head of the radius bone is broken in this type of fracture.
• Supracondylar fracture: This type of fracture affects the base of the upper arm bone and is more common in children. It frequently results in bone displacement.

What are the signs of a fractured elbow?

Pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the elbow are signs of a fractured elbow. If the fracture is displaced or a joint is dislocated, a limb deformity may occur. 

Depending on the cause and severity, signs of a fractured elbow may include:

• Sharp, intense pain
• Redness and tenderness around the site of injury
• Swelling along the elbow or forearm
• Difficulty moving the elbow or forearm
• Popping or snapping sound at the time of injury
• Stiffness in the elbow joint
• Bruising along the elbow or forearm
• Pale, numbness, and tingling in the arm, wrist, or hand
• General instability in the elbow joint
• Visibly dislocated bone 

If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention to avoid further complications. Depending on your symptoms, several tests may be ordered. 

An X-ray shows pictures of bone structures that can be used to diagnose elbow fractures. Your doctor may also request an MRI to visualize soft tissue damage or a CT scan for better bone examination.

SLIDESHOW

What can cause an elbow fracture?

The elbow is very sensitive to damage due to repetitive use, and fractures can occur as a result of significant impact or excessive pressure applied to the bone.

Direct impact

• Car crash
• Landing awkwardly from a fall
• Catching something heavy

Repetitive force

• Overuse
• Pushing repeatedly
• Physical stress

Indirect impact

• Referred shockwave from impact to the wrist, hand, or shoulder

Possible causes

• Fall on the elbow
• Direct blow to the elbow
• Twisting injury to the arm
• Fall on an outstretched arm with the elbow locked in extension
• Trauma due to events such as automobile or bike accidents

What are risk factors for an elbow fracture?

Risk factors for an elbow fracture may include:

• Age (children and the elderly are more prone to fractures)
• Participation in sports (such as football, gymnastics, bicycling, or skateboarding)
• Osteoporosis
• Postmenopause
• Bone tumors or cysts
• Decreased muscle mass

How can you prevent an elbow fracture?

While you may not be able to completely avoid injury, you can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of suffering an elbow fracture:

• Use well-fitted safety equipment during sports or physical activity
• Learn proper techniques and form for exercises
• Maintain overall fitness 
• Warm up before athletic activities

Health News

• AHA News: Days Before Christmas, New Mom Had a Stroke
• Another Big Drop in U.S. Life Expectancy in 2021
• Cluster Headaches May Be Tougher for Women
• Stop Screening Asymptomatic Hospital Patients for COVID, Experts Say
• Gene Therapy Breakthrough Helps Children Born Without Immune System
• 
  More Health News »

How is a fractured elbow treated?

Treatment options for a fractured elbow vary according to the following factors:

• Severity and type of fracture
• Location of the fracture
• Damage to the nerves and blood vessels
• Age and general health

Your doctor will determine the right course of treatment depending on your individual case. You must refrain from lifting anything with the damaged arm for at least 6 weeks following the injury. 

Conservative treatment

• For the first 1-2 days, your doctor may recommend applying an ice pack to the affected area every 3-4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• The arm should be supported or elevated with the help of pillows.
• Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may be used to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Nonsurgical treatment

• Elbow fractures must be stabilized to prevent any further damage. Therefore, the first step is for the doctor to realign the bones before applying a splint or cast. 
• If the fracture is stable and there is no displacement, the doctor may apply a splint or cast to keep the bones aligned while healing.
• Unlike casts, splints provide less support. However, it is easy to adjust them to accommodate swelling

Surgical treatment

If bone pieces are displaced, surgery is required to ensure that the fracture heals properly. 

• Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning
  • Displaced bone pieces are repositioned and kept in place with metal pins.
  • The pins are inserted through the skin, into the bone, and across the fracture.
  • The damaged area is covered with a splint or cast for the first week. 
  • A few weeks after the surgery, the surgeon will remove the pins and splint/cast.
• Open reduction and internal fixation
  • This type of surgery is required for fractures that cannot be moved during a closed reduction or cause nerve or vascular injury.
  • Open fractures are scheduled for emergency surgery to reduce infection risk. People with this type of fracture will be administered antibiotics.

Rehabilitation after surgery

• Getting your elbow moving after surgery is an important part of recovery since the biggest concern after elbow surgery is stiffness. 
• Physical therapy should begin as soon as permitted by your doctor and can help you regain range of motion and strength in the injured arm. 
• Strengthening exercises, scar massage, ultrasound therapy, heat therapy, and ice therapy may all be recommended.

QUESTION

What are possible complications of a fractured elbow?

Untreated elbow fractures can lead to severe pain and disability. Common complications may include:

• Stiffness: It is common for the joint to become stiff after an elbow fracture or after elbow surgery. Your shoulder, hand, and wrist will often compensate for the loss of movement.
• Heterotopic ossification (HO): HO is the growth of a new bone in the soft tissues, which occurs rarely following a fracture or surgery. This can cause joint stiffness, and because it creates a mechanical block to mobility, surgery to remove the new bone development may be needed.
• Arthritis: There is a risk of post-traumatic arthritis of the joint if a fracture affects a joint (intra-articular). Elbow arthritis can begin immediately after a fracture or develop many years later when the joint surfaces wear away over time.
• Other complications:
  • Injury to the growth plate, which can lead to early closure
  • Damage to the nerves and blood vessels around the elbow
  • Restriction of movement of the elbow joint
  • Infection around pins placed into the elbow

What is the prognosis for a fractured elbow?

Because the elbow is such a complex joint, the prognosis for a fractured elbow depends on several factors, including age, overall health, and severity of the injury. 

If there are no complications during the healing process, most people will make a complete recovery, especially with proper treatment.

Subscribe to MedicineNet's Skin Care & Conditions Newsletter

By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

Medically Reviewed on 9/2/2022

References

Image Source: iStock image

Elbow (Olecranon) Fractures: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/elbow-olecranon-fractures/

Elbow Fractures: https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/elbow-fractures

Elbow Fractures Overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441976/

What to Expect with an Elbow Fracture: https://msspc.org/what-to-expect-with-an-elbow-fracture/

How to treat fractures around the elbow: https://bcmj.org/worksafebc/how-treat-fractures-around-elbow

Complete List

Top How Long Does a Fractured Elbow Take to Heal Related Articles

• 

  Broken Bone

  A broken bone is a fracture. There are different types of fractures, such as:

  • compressed,
  • open,
  • stress,
  • greenstick,
  • spiral,
  • vertebral compression,
  • compound, and
  • comminuted.

  Symptoms of a broken bone include pain at the site of injury, swelling, and bruising around the area of injury. Treatment of a fracture depends on the type and location of the injury.

• 

  Broken Bones

  Broken bones are a common type of injury. Bones are some of the hardest tissues in the body, but they can break when they are stressed. Osteoporosis and cancer may cause bone fractures. The broken bone needs immediate medical treatment.

• 

  Can a Bone Fracture Heal on Its Own?

  Learn what medical treatments can help your bone fracture heal and help you manage this condition.

• 

  comfrey

  Comfrey leaves, roots, and rhizomes have been traditionally used for varied medicinal purposes such as local application for skin ulcers, joint and muscle pains, fractures, and osteoarthritis. Common side effects of comfrey include liver damage, liver enlargement, veno-occlusive disease, decrease in urine output, lethargy, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and loss of appetite (anorexia). Comfrey contains toxic compounds that can cause liver and lung injury. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding.

• 

  How Do You Know if You Have a Fracture?

  There are around 206 bones in the human body, and each plays a crucial role. They protect and preserve the shape of your soft tissues, serve as a framework for your muscles, and direct the pressure inside of you.

• 

  How Do You Tell If Your Arm Is Broken?

  How do you know if you have a broken bone or just a sprain? Learn about symptoms of a fractured arm and how you can tell when it’s serious.

• 

  What Are the 4 Types of Fractures?

  What are the four types of bone fractures? Learn the signs of bone fractures and how doctors treat them.

• 

  What First Aid Can Be Done if a Bone Is Fractured?

  A bone fracture requires immediate medical attention; however, here is how to manage a fracture and ease the affected person until help arrives.

  Can a broken elbow heal without surgery?

  Treatment depends on the type of elbow fracture you have and the severity of your condition. For non-displaced elbow fractures, non-surgical options effectively treat the fracture. Displaced elbow fractures usually require surgery to repair the fracture and reconstruction of ligaments and tendons, if necessary.

  Can you bend your elbow when it's broken?

  Even if you're still able to move your arm or elbow, you may have a broken bone, so don't delay treatment.

  How long do you have to wear a sling for a fractured elbow?

  If you have a small fracture and your bones did not move around much, you will likely wear a splint or sling that supports your arm, elbow, and forearm. You will probably need to wear this for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

  How painful is breaking an elbow?

  A fracture can be very painful and make elbow motion difficult or impossible. Treatment for an olecranon fracture depends upon the severity of the injury. Some simple fractures can be treated by wearing a splint until the bone heals.