The elbow joint is a complex joint involving 3 bones (humerus, ulna, radius). The main planes of movement are extension and flexion, as well as rotation of the forearm. In principle, each of the three bones can be fractured on its own, but combinations of several fractures are also common. A dislocation of the elbow joint always leads to an injury to the ligamentous apparatus and/or bony damage.
A distinction is made between
Examination of an elbow joint
Fractures of the elbow joint are caused by falls onto the outstretched arm or directly onto the elbow joint. In young people, a greater force is required, such as occurs in skiing, cycling, motorcycling or riding accidents. In older and weaker bones, falls in everyday life can also lead to a fracture in the elbow joint area.
If the fracture is not displaced or only minimally displaced and there is no risk of increasing displacement over time, conservative treatment can be carried out. Even dislocations without bony involvement can usually be treated without surgery. As the elbow joint tends to stiffen with prolonged immobilization, early movement of the joint is important. The patient is instructed by physiotherapists as to which exercises can be performed. Anti-inflammatory painkillers or joint ointments help to reduce the swelling of the inflamed tissue and combat the pain. Resting and immobilizing the overloaded joint with a bandage or in a splint (elbow orthosis) is also a recommended measure.
Severe dislocations of the elbow joint require surgery to reattach the joint and suture ligaments or reinforce them with tendons. Surgical reduction with subsequent immobilization is also generally necessary for displaced or more complex fractures such as comminuted fractures.
Dr. Martin Schwarz, MSc, Prim. a.D.
Specialist for trauma surgery,
Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology Shoulder Center Vienna
Surgery for shoulder, knee and sports injuries