| What can I expect? |
The fracture usually heals.
The elbow is stiff, but can be used for most tasks.
One needs to adapt to the loss of motion.
Arthritis develops over years to decades, but only occasionally is bad enough for a patient to request surgery.
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Most fractures heal.
The elbow is usually much stiffer than it used to be, but most patients adapt well.
About a third of patients have numbness in the small finger and some issues with dexterity in the hand. Sometimes this does not recover.
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The elbow loses some motion.
No more than 5 to 10 pounds should be lifted in the arm.
The replacement doesn’t last more than 5-10 years.
About a third of patients have numbness in the small finger and some issues with dexterity in the hand. Sometimes this does not recover.
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| What is the treatment? |
Your arm will be immobilized for about a month.
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Metal devices are used to keep the fracture from moving out of place while it heals in a better position.
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Fractured bits of bone and joint are removed and the joint is replaced with a metal and plastic implant.
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| What is the advantage? |
You avoid the risks of surgery.
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You can use your arm a few weeks earlier.
The fracture is less likely to heal out of position, leading to better motion and less arthritis.
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The quickest recovery.
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| What is the disadvantage? |
Immobilization can be a bit cumbersome and can cause skin problems.
Your fracture might heal out of position, which could limit motion and contribute to arthritis.
A small chance that the bone will not heal and you will choose surgery later.
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The scar.
The risks, discomforts, and inconveniences of surgery.
The fixation might become loose or break.
Temporary or permanent nerve dysfunction.
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The scar
The risks, discomforts, and inconveniences of surgery.
No lifting over 5-10 pounds.
Temporary or permanent nerve dysfunction.
The chance of big problems with infection or fracture around the prosthesis.
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| What are the risks? |
Of 100 people treated with immobilization, about 10 have trouble healing.
About 25 out of 100 people develop arthritis.
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Of 100 people that choose surgery, about 8 have trouble healing, 4 have an infection, and up to 33 have nerve damage (most recover).
About 12 of 100 people that choose surgery have additional surgery for implant loosening, infection, or another problem.
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Of 100 people that choose replacement, 2 show loosening of implants, 1 has an infection, and up to 33 have nerve damage (most recover).
About 9 of 100 people that choose replacement have additional surgery for implant loosening, infection, or another problem.
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