Elbow Fracture
Medical term: Olecranon and Radial Head Fracture
Overview
Elbow fractures encompass a range of injuries around the elbow joint, with the most frequently affected areas being the radial head and the olecranon. Radial head fractures typically occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand, while olecranon fractures usually result from a direct blow to the elbow or a fall directly onto the point of the elbow. These injuries can vary from simple, non-displaced cracks to complex fractures that disrupt joint stability.
At our San Diego practice, we evaluate each elbow fracture with a combination of physical examination and imaging to determine the best course of treatment. Simple, stable fractures may be managed with a brief period of splinting followed by early motion exercises. More complex or displaced fractures typically require surgical repair with screws, plates, or tension-band wiring to restore the joint surface and allow early rehabilitation.