DISTAL HUMERUS FRACTURE

The distal humerus is the end of the upper arm bone (the humerus) that forms the upper part of the elbow. Three bones come together at the elbow to form the elbow joint. A distal humerus fracture is a type of elbow fracture or break. Symptoms consist of swelling, bruising, pain or tenderness to the touch, stiffness, and/or the feeling of instability (“my elbow feels like it wants to pop out”).

A distal humerus fracture is a type of elbow fracture or break that involves the lower end of the upper arm bone (humerus). The humerus is one of the three bones that makes up the elbow joint. A distal humerus fracture is one that happens right above the elbow joint, which makes elbow movement very difficult and painful. This type of fracture is most commonly caused by a high-energy trauma event. Falling directly on the elbow, receiving a direct blow to the elbow or falling on an outstretched arm are all likely to cause a distal humerus fracture.

The break can occur anywhere in the lower end of the humerus, and crack or break into many fragments (comminuted fracture). Sometimes, the bone fragments can stick out through the skin, called an open fracture which is requires immediate treatment.  

Symptoms consist of swelling, bruising, pain or tenderness to the touch, stiffness, and/or the feeling of instability (“my elbow feels like it wants to pop out”). It may also be very difficult and painful to move your elbow.

Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery is most likely required. In cases of stable fractures, where bone fragments aren’t displaced, non-surgical treatment may be recommended. A splint or sling will be given to immobilize the elbow during healing. However, surgery is usually required for displaced fractures and open fractures. There are a number of procedures that are used to treat these injuries, and your surgeon will make the decision which is best for you. The most common procedure is open reduction and internal fixation. This involves repositioning the bone fragments back to their normal spot and holding them in place with plates and screws.