HEALTH TIP

Broken Elbow

Broken Elbow Symptoms

If your elbow shows any of the following signs you may have a fracture or another injury that needs medical attention.

• Swelling of your elbow or in the area immediately above or below your elbow
• Deformity of your elbow, or the areas near your elbow
• Discoloration, such as bruising or redness of your elbow
• Difficulty moving your elbow through its complete range of motion
  • Flexion and extension: You should be able to bend your elbow so that you can touch your shoulder with your fingertips. You also should be able to fully straighten your arm.
  • Inward and outward rotation: When holding your arm at your side with your elbow flexed (bent) at 90°, you should be able to rotate your hand outward so that your palm faces the ceiling. In this same position, you should be able to rotate your hand inward so that your palm faces the floor.
• Numbness, decreased sensation, or a cool sensation of your forearm, hand, or fingers
  • Three major nerves-the median, radial, and ulnar nerves-travel through your elbow. A serious injury may damage these nerves.
  • Many blood vessels also pass through your elbow. These important vessels may become injured or compressed when trauma or swelling occurs.
  • A cut, or open wound, on the elbow after a traumatic injury
  • Severe pain after an elbow injury
  • A "tight sensation" in the area of your elbow or forearm

  When to Seek Medical Care

  An elbow fracture carries the risk of potentially serious and disabling complications. If you think your elbow may be fractured, you should seek medical attention at a hospital's emergency department immediately.
  If you have only mild swelling, and no bruising, open wounds, or loss of feeling, you may consider calling a doctor prior to seeking emergency medical attention.
  If your elbow shows any of the following problems after an injury to your arm, you should go to an emergency department.