The different types of elbow fractures include:
Radial head and neck fractures (Figure 2)
Pain is usually worse with forearm rotation (turning the palm up and down). The treatment for this fracture depends on the number and size of the bone fragments. Complex fractures often require surgery to repair and stabilize the fragments or to remove or replace the radial head if there are too many bony pieces.
Olecranon fractures (see Figure 3)
These fractures are usually displaced and require surgery. The bone fragments are re-aligned and held together with pins and wires or plates and screws.
Fractures of the distal humerus (see Figure 4)
These fractures occur commonly in children and in the elderly. Nerve and/or artery injuries can be associated with these types of fractures and must be carefully evaluated by your doctor. These fractures usually require surgical repair with plates and/or screw, unless they are stable.