Can you break the bone above your elbow?
By Sophia Dalton
Can you break the bone above your elbow?
Olecranon fractures are fairly common. Although they usually occur on their own, with no other injuries, they can also be part of a more complex elbow injury. In an olecranon fracture, the bone can crack just slightly or break into many pieces.
What is the arm bone above the elbow?
The humerus is the bone in your upper arm. It’s located between your elbow and your shoulder, and consists of several parts that allow it to move freely in different directions. Your humerus has important functions related to both movement and support.
How serious is a broken humerus?
Most humerus fractures eventually heal without causing any long-term health problems. For the smoothest recovery process, see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of a fracture.
How do you treat a broken humerus bone?
A humerus shaft fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the fracture pattern and associated injuries (i.e., nerve injury or open fracture). A temporary splint extending from the shoulder to the forearm and holding the elbow bent at 90 degrees can be used for initial management of the fracture.
How do they fix a broken humerus?
Surgery usually involves fixation of the fracture fragments with plates, screws or pins. Severe fractures with previous arthroscopy (joint degeneration) may require shoulder replacement. Mobilization with physical therapy is begun immediately following surgery.
Do they cast a broken humerus?
Many isolated humeral shaft fractures (assuming you do not have any other injuries) can be treated without surgery, even if the radial nerve is injured. The treatment is done with a cast. For the patient, the orthopedic surgeon may switch from a splint (cast) to an adjustable brace at around 1-3 weeks after the injury.
How strong is the humerus bone?
The humerus is a strong bone, analogous to the femur in the leg (which is the strongest bone in the body). It does not absorb the intensity of stress that the forearm bones do when you fall and catch yourself with your hands, since the humerus is farther up the chain of bones.
What is the best treatment for a broken humerus?
What are the symptoms of elbow fracture?
Pain, swelling, bruising and stiffness in and around the elbow may be signs of a possible fracture. A snap or pop at the time of injury may be felt or heard. Visible deformity might mean that the bones are out of place or that the elbow joint is dislocated. There may be numbness or weakness in the arm, wrist and hand.
How do you break your elbow?
It can break easily if you experience a direct blow to the elbow or fall on an outstretched arm. 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.
Can You fracture your elbow?
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 is resting an elbow out an open car window. Any other direct injury to the elbow, wrist, hand, or shoulder can fracture the elbow.
