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February 8, 2012
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Broken Elbow

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Broken Elbow Overview

Elbow injuries are common in both adults and children. Early recognition and treatment of a fractured elbow injury can reduce the risk of complications and later disability. Any serious injury of the elbow deserves medical attention.

The elbow is a complex joint formed by 3 bones:

  • The humerus is a single bone in the upper arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow.
  • The radius and ulna, bones of the forearm run from the elbow to the wrist.
  • Ligaments, muscles, and tendons maintain the elbow's stability and allow joint movement.

A normal elbow joint allows these motions:

  • Flexion or bending
  • Extension or straightening
  • Rotation, turning the palm up and down

Serious injuries, such as fractures (a bone break) and dislocations, can damage the bones and other structures of the elbow, resulting in problems with movement, blood vessel function, and nerve function. In children, fractures can affect the growth and development of the bones. This is because children have many bone "growth plates," a part of the bone where bone growth takes place. Bone growth continues throughout childhood; if one of these "growth plates" is involved in a fracture, it can affect bone development.

A fractured elbow is a break that involves one or more of the three arm bones where they work together to form the elbow joint.

Broken Elbow Causes

People can injure an elbow in a variety of ways, from overuse (athletic injuries) to an acute traumatic event (a fall or direct blow). Some common events that result in elbow fractures:

  • Falling backward, for example, off a skateboard, the person may attempt to brace the fall with an arm outstretched and open hand.
  • High-energy trauma can occur in an automobile or motorcycle collision.
  • A direct blow on the elbow can cause a break, such as when a person falls off a bicycle and lands directly on an elbow.
  • Sideswipe injury occurs when an elbow is struck while a person are resting an elbow out an open car window.
  • Any other direct injury to the elbow, wrist, hand, or shoulder can fracture the elbow.
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Broken Elbow - Causes

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Broken Elbow

Sprains and Strains Overview

The body is meant to move. Muscles allow that movement to happen by contracting and making joints flex, extend and rotate. Muscles attach on each side of the joint to bone by thick bands of fibrous tissue called tendons. When a muscle contracts, it shortens and pulls on the tendon, which allows the joint to go through a range of motion.

A strain occurs when the muscle tendon unit is stretched or torn. The most common reason is the overuse and stretching of the muscle. The damage may occur in three areas:

  • The muscle itself may tear.

  • The area where the muscle and tendon blend can tear.

  • The tendon may tear partially or completely (rupture).

Joints are stabilized by thick bands of tissue called ligaments which surround them. These ligaments allow the joint to move only in specific directions. Some joints move in multiple planes; therefore, they need mor...



Read the Sprains and Strains article »


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Fracture, Elbow »

Elbow fractures are commonly encountered in the acute care setting.

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