What is a broken elbow?

A broken elbow, also called an olecranon fracture, is a break in the tip or head of the elbow joint. You may not be able to extend your forearm.

How does it occur?

An olecranon fracture usually results from a fall on the elbow.

There are many types of fractures:

• Complete fracture: The broken bone is completely separated at the break.

• Incomplete fracture: The broken bone is not completely separated at the break.

• Comminuted fracture: There are more than two fragments of bone at the fracture.

• Open fracture (compound): The fracture site is open to the air because one end of the bone has broken through the skin.

• Closed fracture: Neither end of the broken bone has broken through the skin.

• Compression fracture: The break occurs from extreme pressure on the bone.

• Impacted fracture: The broken ends are driven into each other.

• Avulsion fracture: The breaking force has been applied in such a way that the muscle pulls a portion of the bone away from the site where it is normally attached.

• Pathological fracture: The fracture occurs in a bone that is weakened or damaged by a disease.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

• pain, especially when you move your elbow

• swelling.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose an olecranon fracture, the doctor will examine you and ask about what happened when the injury occurred. He or she will order an x-ray to find out what kind of injury you have.

How is it treated?

To treat an olecranon fracture, the doctor will extend your arm and keep it in this position with a long straight splint on your arm. If necessary, the doctor may use a pin or screw to secure the bone internally.

How long will the effects last?

Complete healing may take weeks or months, depending on the seriousness of the injury.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the instructions the doctor gives you. In addition:

• Elevate the injured arm to reduce swelling.

• Raise the top of the bed, if possible, so that your upper body is elevated when you sleep.

• Eat highly nutritious foods to promote healing.

How can I prevent an olecranon fracture?

To help prevent fractures:

• Wear shoes that offer good support and have good tread to prevent falls.

• Learn how to brace yourself during a fall.

• Be careful when walking and exercising.