Elbow Fracture In Adults

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An elbow fracture (frak-shur) is a break in one or more of the bones in your elbow. It is also called a broken elbow. A broken elbow is often caused by trauma, such as a fall, an injury, or an accident. Your elbow may hurt, feel weak or numb, or tingle. It may be swollen or bruised. Your elbow may not look normal if the bones are out of place. You may not be able to move it at all. You may need surgery if you have a bad fracture. How long it will take your arm to heal is different for every person. It may take weeks or months. An x-ray can show when the broken bone(s) is healed.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines. Do not take any medicines without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.
    
    
  • If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• To lessen the swelling, keep the injury raised above the level of your heart. You can do this by placing it on pillows.
  
  
• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your splint/cast. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you can get frostbite.
  
  
• If you have a plaster splint or cast:
  
  
  • Ask your caregiver for how long to wear the splint.
    
    
    • You may loosen the elastic around the splint if your fingers become numb or tingling.
      
      
    
    
  • Do not put pressure on any part of your splint/cast. It may break.
    
    
  • Keep your splint/cast dry. It can be protected during bathing with a plastic bag. Do not lower the splint into water.
  
  
• A sling may be used to support the arm as instructed.
  
  
• If you got a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen and red and warm to the touch at the shot site. This is a normal response to the medicine in the shot.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have any questions or concerns.
  
  
• Your skin or fingernails below the injury feels cold or numb.
  
  
• There is a bad smell from your splint/cast.
  
  
• You have continued severe pain or more swelling than you did before the splint/cast was put on.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• If you have trouble breathing, pain in your chest or confusion.
  
  
• Your splint/cast gets damaged or breaks.
  
  
• Your skin or fingernails below the injury turn blue or gray.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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