Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus

Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus is a complete or incomplete break in the lower end of the humerus at the elbow joint.

Places where Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus occurs

Lower end of the humerus (upper arm bone). Elbow joint. Soft tissue surrounding the fracture site, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, cartilage and muscles.

Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus

Direct blow or indirect stress to the elbow. Indirect stress may be caused by twisting or violent muscle contraction.

• Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and the bone fragments separate enough to distort normal arm contours.
• Tenderness to the touch.
• Severe elbow pain at the time of injury.
• Swelling of soft tissue around the fracture.
• Numbness and coldness in the hand and lower arm if the blood supply is impaired.

Complications in Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus

Delayed union or non-union of the fracture. Impaired blood supply to the fracture site. Avascular necrosis (death of bone cells) due to interruption of the blood supply. Arrest of normal bone growth in children. Infection in open fractures (skin broken over fracture site), or at the incision if surgical setting was necessary. Shortening of the injured bones. Unstable or arthritic joint following repeated injury. Prolonged healing time if activity is resumed too soon. Atrophy of muscles and poor hand control due to damage to blood vessels, nerves, cartilage, tendons, muscle, ligaments and fascia (thin covering of muscles).

Treatment, Medication and Care for Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus

For First aid, use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. The doctor will realign and set the broken bones either with surgery or, if possible, without. Manipulation should be done as soon as possible after injury. Six or more hours after the fracture, bleeding and displacement of body fluids may lead to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal position. Keep the person warm with blankets to decrease the possibility of shock. Cut away clothing, if possible, but don't move the injured elbow to do so.

General anesthesia, local anesthesia or muscle relaxants to make bone manipulation and fixation of bone fragments possible. Narcotic or synthetic narcotic pain relievers for severe pain. Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to inactivity. Acetaminophen for mild pain.

• Immobilization will be necessary, usually with rigid splints around the elbow and wrist.
• After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use a heating pad or heat lamp for 30 minutes at a time so heat can penetrate the splints.
• After the splints are removed, use frequent ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a baseball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day.
• Apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers or heating pads.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.

Dietary Cure for Elbow Fracture Lower Humerus

Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting under general anesthesia more hazardous. During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

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