Duration
How long the ligament injury to the elbow lasts depends on the wound healing and protection. Immediately after the injury, first aid is important. Pausing, cooling (ice), compression, elevation are the key words after a ligament injury (PECH rule).
If the ligament is only injured, a splint should be worn for 4-6 weeks with as little stress on the elbow as possible. If a fracture or dislocation is also present, this has priority in the medical treatment. Depending on the extent of the fracture, surgery may be necessary to fix the fracture. The duration of healing and the load capacity depends on the healing of the fracture.
Rail
There is no specific splint for a torn ligament at the elbow. However, there are various compression bandages that are very elastic and do not really interfere with everyday life. However, these are recommended rather after the 6 weeks are over, because until then the elbow joint should be immobilized.
There are fixed splints for this purpose, which run from the middle part of the forearm to the middle part of the upper arm. The elbow is held in a bending position to protect the ligament. If there are more serious injuries to the bones, a cast is put on so that movement is no longer possible.
Operation
A torn ligament at the elbow joint is rarely operated on, since conservative treatment usually proceeds without complications. If there are concomitant injuries, such as a fracture or dislocation, the injury is usually treated with plates and screws. The rupture of the ligaments is only secondary and heals by itself over time.The disadvantage of an operation is that the plates and screws usually limit mobility to a great extent and full mobility can only be achieved after the materials have been removed.
Summary
Injuries to the ligaments at the elbow are caused by a fall or a direct violent impact on the elbow. Mostly there are accompanying injuries, such as a fracture or a dislocation. In the case of a torn ligament, physiotherapy is adapted to the stages of wound healing.
If stability is guaranteed, strengthening exercises, stabilization exercises and mobilization exercises are included in the active therapy. Bandages help to minimize the strain in everyday life so that the ligament can heal at rest. Surgery alone for a torn ligament is rarely performed, as there is no need for it.
