Key points

Do fractures of the distal humerus need surgery to heal?

 Distal humerus fractures usually heal with or without surgery, but fractures that are far out of place are likely to have better motion and less arthritis with surgery for repair or replacement.  Distal humerus fractures usually heal with or without surgery, but fractures that are far out of place are likely to have better motion and less arthritis with surgery for repair or replacement.

If I choose immobilization, I definitely won’t need surgery.

 About 10 of every 100 fractures don’t heal in a brace. If this happens you might choose surgery later.  About 10 of every 100 fractures don’t heal in a brace. If this happens you might choose surgery later.

If I choose to have surgery for realignment or replacement, there’s a chance I’ll have a problem from the operation.

 Approximately 12 out of a 100 people having surgery for repair and 9 out of 100 people having surgery for replacement experience a major problem that is treated with more surgery.  Approximately 12 out of a 100 people having surgery for repair and 9 out of 100 people having surgery for replacement experience a major problem that is treated with more surgery.

If I choose replacement, I can perform heavy work with my arm.

 To keep the replaced elbow working you need to limit lifting to 5 or 10 pounds in that arm.  To keep the replaced elbow working you need to limit lifting to 5 or 10 pounds in that arm.