Behavior in an emergency
The diagnosis can be made relatively easily in the emergency outpatient department by x-ray and physical examination. Certain fracture signs are abnormal mobility, bone crunching, malposition of the axis, and open puncture of the skin. The type of fracture can be assessed by X-ray. X-rays are also the method of choice for the further treatment of fractures: The operation and follow-up treatment of the elbow fracture is always carried out under radiological control.
Prognosis
The prognosis of an elbow fracture is usually good, as long as it is an uncomplicated fracture. Since the elbow fracture is one of the most common types of fracture, it is a routine procedure that is performed thousands of times a year in Germany. However, complications can arise in the event of joint involvement, soft tissue injury or injury to vessels.
If individual areas of the elbow are no longer sufficiently supplied with blood, the corresponding areas may die. A “wrong” fusion of the bone fragments can lead to a malposition of the bone. Even small deviations are sufficient to shift the balance of forces in the bone.
Over the years, the elbow joint can be permanently misaligned and, as a result, the joint can wear out more and more. Sports that put a lot of strain on the elbow may not be able to be performed with the same force. These include tennis, squash, and also golf. In addition, after 6-8 weeks of immobilization, the muscle mass on the affected arm is usually greatly reduced. For this reason, especially in older patients, physiotherapy follows the surgical treatment, which helps to rebuild the muscle in a targeted manner.
Prophylaxis
An elbow fracture as a result of a sports accident can be easily avoided by wearing elbow pads. Especially for sports like inline skating, or ice hockey these should be part of the standard repertoire, especially if you have little practice. With older patients it is often sufficient to remove stumbling blocks such as carpets or objects lying around.
You also have to pay attention to a correct adjustment of the medication. Many medications that are taken frequently with age have an effect on balance and mobility. These include blood pressure reducers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, and tablets for travel sickness and allergies.
