Treatment varies depending on fracture severity, joint stability, bone alignment, and individual functional requirements. Dr Richard Dallalana provides specialist assessment and management of elbow fractures, offering both non-operative and surgical treatment options where appropriate.
This page explains how elbow fractures are assessed, when surgical treatment may be recommended, the types of procedures that may be performed, expected recovery and rehabilitation pathways, and guidance on safely returning to work, sport, and daily activities.
Elbow fracture management is carefully planned to restore safe joint movement while allowing the bone to heal in the correct position.
Treatment planning considers:
Dr Dallalana performs a comprehensive clinical and imaging assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual patient.
Some elbow fractures can heal without surgery when the bones remain well aligned and the joint is stable.
Non-operative treatment may include:
Because elbow stiffness can develop quickly after injury, treatment often aims to introduce safe movement as early as possible while protecting fracture healing.
Surgical treatment may be considered when:
The primary goal of elbow fracture surgery is to restore joint anatomy, stability, and movement to support recovery and long-term elbow function.
Elbow fracture surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and may be combined with regional nerve blocks to assist with post-operative pain management. Surgical techniques vary depending on fracture pattern, joint involvement, and elbow stability, and may include:
Most elbow fractures requiring surgery are treated using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
This procedure involves:
• Repositioning fractured bone fragments into their normal anatomical alignment
• Stabilising the bones using plates, screws, or specialised fixation devices
• Restoring joint alignment and overall elbow stability
These fixation devices are designed to hold the bones securely while healing occurs and allow safe early movement during rehabilitation.
When fractures involve the joint surface, surgical treatment focuses on restoring smooth joint alignment. Accurate reconstruction helps support elbow movement and may reduce the risk of long-term stiffness or joint degeneration.
Some elbow fractures occur alongside ligament injury or joint instability. When present, ligament repair or reconstruction may be performed during the same procedure to help restore joint stability and support functional recovery.
If you have questions about the procedure or preparation for surgery, these can be discussed during your initial consultation with Mr. Dallalana
Recovery following elbow fracture surgery varies depending on fracture complexity and the procedures performed.
Early recovery usually involves:
Many patients return home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
During the initial healing phase, treatment focuses on:
Rehabilitation typically progresses to include:
This phase usually focuses on:
Patients may gradually return to:
Return to activity is guided by fracture healing, rehabilitation progress, and activity demands.
General recovery guidance may include:
Dr Dallalana provides individualised guidance based on recovery progress and functional goals.
All surgical procedures carry potential risks. These will be discussed during consultation and may include:
Elbow fractures vary significantly between individuals. Treatment planning is tailored to:
Dr Richard Dallalana provides comprehensive assessment and management of elbow fractures, including both non-operative care and surgical treatment tailored to your injury pattern, functional needs, and recovery goals. Early specialist assessment may help clarify the diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and support safe rehabilitation planning.
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