It is a break at the lower end of the upper arm bone, near the elbow.

This type of fracture usually happens from falling on an outstretched arm, direct elbow impact, or a serious accident.

Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, bruising, limited movement, and a noticeable deformity at the elbow.

Diagnosis is done with X-rays, and sometimes a CT scan, to evaluate how serious the fracture is and how aligned it is.

Surgery is often needed because these fractures can be complex and need to fix elbow function and alignment.

Options include open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws, or elbow replacement in very severe cases.

Initial healing can take around 6 to 12 weeks, but complete recovery, including strength and mobility, may take a few months.

Yes, physical therapy is important to regain range of motion, strength, and function in the arm and elbow.

ORIF is a surgery to reposition bone pieces and stabilize them with hardware like plates and screws.

Movement is generally encouraged soon after to prevent stiffness, usually with a physical therapist’s guidance.

Most people regain full motion, but some may have limitations based on the fracture’s complexity and treatment.

Non-surgical treatment might be an option for simple, non-displaced fractures, but it is rare due to stiff joint risks.

Possible complications include stiffness, improper healing, nerve damage, and post-traumatic arthritis.

Some pain after the operation is normal and can be controlled with prescribed pain relievers.

Elevate the arm, use ice packs, and take anti-inflammatory meds as advised by your doctor.

Either general or regional anesthesia is typically used during these surgeries.

It depends on your job; you might need to adjust tasks or take time off, especially for physically demanding work.

If pain increases, reach out to your doctor, as it could signal complications or improper healing.

You may need to wear it for a few weeks, depending on how well the fracture is healing.

Follow your doctor’s advice, attend follow-up visits, and do the recommended physical therapy exercises.

Yes, there is a risk for post-traumatic arthritis, especially if the joint surface has been affected.

It affects the lower part of the humerus, unlike fractures of the radial head or olecranon.

This is a surgery to replace part or all of the elbow joint, used in serious fractures or when ORIF can't be done.

The timeline depends on healing and your doctor's guidance, often taking a few months.

Surgical cuts usually cause some scarring, but doctors work to keep scars less noticeable.

It’s best to not drive until your arm is functional again and your doctor says it’s okay.

Numbness can happen at first due to swelling, but lasting numbness should be checked for nerve damage.

Physical therapy assists in regaining movement, building muscle strength, and improving arm use.

Pain relief typically includes NSAIDs or medications your doctor prescribes.

Steer clear of activities that stress the arm, especially heavy lifting or high-impact sports, until your doctor says so.

Keep it clean and dry, follow care guidelines, and inform your doctor of any infection signs.

Starting movement early helps prevent stiffness in the joint and improves recovery range of motion.

Eating foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and protein helps with bone healing.

Yes, smoking slows healing and raises risks because it affects blood circulation.

They typically need surgical treatment with internal fixation, or in severe cases, elbow replacement.

Signs of healing include decreased pain, better mobility, and follow-up X-rays showing bone healing.

You might need assistance with daily tasks initially, based on how limited your arm mobility is.

Nonunion, where the bone does not heal, is rare but can cause long-term issues and may need more surgery.

You can lower the risk by preventing falls, using protective gear, and taking care of your bones.

Many people do regain full strength, though this often requires focused rehabilitation.

Recommended exercises usually include elbow flexion, extension, rotation, and strength-building, directed by a therapist.

Follow-ups check on healing, assess recovery, and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Osteoporosis can complicate treatment by impacting bone quality and healing; it may involve medications to strengthen bones.

Incorrect healing can result in long-term pain, dysfunction, and a higher risk of arthritis.

Take prescribed meds, apply ice, and rest to help with pain and swelling.

External fixation means using an outside frame with pins in the bone to keep the fracture stable; it’s used less for distal humerus fractures.

Yes, diabetes can slow down healing and raise complication risks, so careful management is needed.

Stopping smoking, eating better, and sticking to rehab guidelines can help recovery.

You might need several X-rays to check how the bone heals over weeks or months.

Tell your doctor if you have a lot of pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, or any odd symptoms.