Broken Elbow
Do not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself if you suspect you have a serious elbow injury. Getting prompt medical attention for your elbow pain is important to getting you back to your normal activities and feeling like yourself again. Oneida Health’s Emergency Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please visit Oneida Health’s Emergency Care for more information,
Oneida Health’s Quick Care is a walk-in solution for medical care with no appointment necessary available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please visit our Quick Care website for more information.
What is a Broken Elbow?
A broken elbow occurs when one of the three bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) in the elbow crack.
What Causes A Broken Elbow?
A broken elbow may be caused either by participation in athletic activities, or when injuring yourself during an everyday activity.
Common Causes of a Broken Elbow:
- A fall or impact
- Automobile or motorcycle collision
- Any other direct injury to the elbow, wrist, hand, or shoulder can affect the elbow
Broken Elbow Symptoms
If you have the following symptoms and suspect you have a broken elbow, you should seek emergency medical attention. Your elbow may be broken if you have the following symptoms:
- Swelling of your elbow or in the area immediately above or below your elbow
- Deformity of your elbow, or the areas near your elbow
- Bruising or redness of your elbow
- Difficulty moving your elbow
- Numbness, decreased sensation, or a cool sensation of your forearm, hand, or fingers
- A cut or open wound on the elbow after a traumatic injury
- Severe pain after an elbow injury
- A "tight sensation" in the area of your elbow or forearm
Broken Elbow Diagnosis
As with other bone breaks, an X-ray or other imaging may be ordered to determine the location and severity of the break.
Broken Elbow Treatment
If your elbow is broken, your doctor will develop a treatment plan which may include the following:
- Rest
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain medication
- Splint, sling, or cast
- Surgery, if needed