Elbow fractures come in multiple forms. We have 3 bones that we consider the elbow. The upper arm is the humerus, and the forearm has the ulna and radius. When we have an injury to the elbow, any combination of those 3 bones can be fractured. Many times, the soft tissue (ligaments) are also hurt.
As a hand surgeon, I also specialize in fractures around the elbow and am able to fix not only the bones, but the soft tissue issues in the area. Additionally, if there are nerve or blood vessel injuries, hand surgeons are able to fix those as well.
There are potentially devastating consequences if you wait too long. Elbows are notorious for getting very stiff. Patients who end up with stiff elbows and unstable elbows are extremely unhappy. Thus, if you hurt your elbow, do not wait to have it diagnosed. Come in for an evaluation so that you may avoid any potential complications of waiting too long.
