Fractures of the elbow usually occur in automobile accidents because the driver is holding onto the steering wheel or a passenger puts his arm out to brace himself during the crash. In a slip & fall the injury is usually with the person putting out their arm to brake the fall. The following are names of common elbow fractures:
Distal humerus fracture
Proximal ulna fracture
Olecranon (elbow) fracture
Radial head fracture
Fracture of both the radius & ulnar
Monteggia fracture
TERRIBLE TRIAD IN ELBOW INJURY
The terrible triad happens when there is a fracture of the radial head, the coronoid process of the ulna, which allows the humerus to dislocate. This is a serious injury, with a whole host of complications including nerve injury and heterotopic ossification.
Additional complications associated with fractures of the elbow include:
Blood vessel injury
Nerve damage
Loss of motion or fusion of the joint
Deformity of the joint
If you have any questions about an elbow fracture following an accident, call us now at (219) 874-4878.
