Elbow Fracture Repairs in Wayne, NJ

The elbow is a delicate joint and very vulnerable to fractures. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have recently fractured bones in the elbow, get in touch with High Mountain Orthopedics. We provide Wayne, New Jersey with high-quality diagnostic and repair services. Our qualified team can help you achieve a successful recovery and return to daily activities.

Understanding Elbow Fractures

Your elbow is an important joint that allows you to use your hands and arms with a high level of dexterity. It is also susceptible to damage, however. Through a combination of heavy use and fragile construction, the elbow is among the most common joints to experience a fracture. Symptoms of an elbow fracture include:

• Intense pain in the elbow joint and beyond
• Inflammation and swelling around the joint
• Inability to straighten or move the elbow
• Tissue around the joint feels tender

If the High Mountain Orthopedics team suspects you may have a fracture, your treatment will begin with a physical examination and an X-Ray to confirm their diagnosis. This will also enable doctors to evaluate the extent and severity of the fracture, information they can use in planning and delivering successful care.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Elbow fractures can arise from many different scenarios. Most, however, can be summarized as one of three simple causes. These include:

• A direct blow to the elbow from a hard object
• Hitting the elbow on the wall or floor during a fall
• Catching yourself on a fully extended arm after a fall

An elbow fracture can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or health condition. They are most commonly seen in children, however. Most kids lead an active lifestyle with bicycles, skateboards, playground equipment, and plenty of outdoor fun. When combined with reduced awareness of situations that may lead to injuries, these activities often result in higher numbers of elbow fractures than typically seen in other stages of life.

Elbow Fracture Repair Services

Many fractures can be treated through conservative methods. Ice and over-the-counter medication reduce pain while a splint or sling immobilizes the joint, encouraging it to heal on its own. More severe cases may require surgery. This is especially true of “open” fractures, where the broken bone is visible. Surgery may also be recommended when the broken bone interferes with triceps muscle function. The goal of elbow fracture repair surgery is to reset the joint through the following steps:

1. General anesthesia or a local anesthetic is used to prevent discomfort during the procedure.
2. Our surgeons skillfully move broken bone fragments back into their correct positions.
3. If any bone has been crushed and cannot be repaired, the material will be removed.
4. Surgeons affix the bone fragments in place and bind the arm in a cast or splint.

In most cases, the cast is only needed for a few weeks. Doctors will closely monitor your healing process, removing the cast when the arm is ready. You can then begin physical therapy to start restoring your strength and a full range of movement.

Repairing Your Broken Elbow

Broken bones can be an uncomfortable experience, but we’re here to help. High Mountain Orthopedics serves Wayne, NJ with high-quality elbow fracture diagnostics and repair, helping you recover sooner from your injury. Contact us today with any questions you may have about our orthopedic care or to schedule an appointment and begin your recovery.