Elbow Stress Fracture Surgery
Overview
If you have an elbow stress fracture then you have pain when you move your elbow or with rotating the elbow. You might see swelling at the tip or the back of your elbow. To correct these symptoms your doctor will suggest an elbow stress fracture surgery.
How to Prepare for Elbow Stress Fracture Surgery
You will be asked not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. Stop taking any medications like blood thinners or aspirins to prepare for your surgery. You may want to get your home ready since you won’t be able to reach very high cabinets or do activities that may require you to pull. Locate loose shirts that button or zip in the front for you to wear as you recover from surgery.
Procedure
The primary way to treat a stress fracture is an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This procedure is an outpatient procedure which means you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery. During this surgery, we will realign and reposition the bones. The bones will be held in place with medical equipment like screws, wires, pins, or metal plates.
Recovery
Most patients will be able to return to normal activities within four to six months. However, some patients may take longer depending on the severity of the injury.
Efficacy
We will realign and reposition the bones to support your elbow.
Complications
There is a risk of infection, blood loss, and nerve damage as with any surgery. Surgery may not completely cure the pain problem. You may still experience pain or the pain has a possibility of returning.
Outlook
Surgery will likely correct the problem with the elbow. Baseball players and athletes who apply a great deal of pressure to their elbows are at an increased risk of re-injuring their elbows.