Treatment for comfort

The elbow can be moved immediately. A sling or splint can be used for comfort (figure). Ice and acetaminophen or aspirin type medications (e.g. ibuprofen or naproxyn) may also help with comfort.

Results:

When the bones are separated, about 78 of 100 of the bones don’t grow together, but 91 of 100 patients can use their elbow as they want.

You avoid the risks associated with surgery. If you choose to avoid surgery initially and you are not satisfied with the result, surgery is an option later.

Figure: sling.