Initially, elbow fractures will be treated with ice, pain medicine, a splint, and a sling to keep the elbow in position. Because not all fractures require surgery, treatment options will be discussed once the injury has been examined.
Elbow fracture surgery is usually necessary when the fracture is out of place (displaced) or when pieces of bone have cut the skin (open fracture.) Because the triceps muscles help straighten the elbow, it is important for the pieces to be put together when displaced so the patient can straighten his/her elbow. An open fracture, on the other hand, comes with a high risk of infection. Patients will undergo surgery so that the cuts can be thoroughly cleaned out. The bone will typically be fixed during the same procedure.
