Elbow Surgery for Fractures: What to expect?

[k_c_v]

Hello community.

I was recently injured in a way that caused severe contusions on both forearms from above the elbow down past my wrist. From what I've discussed with doctors thus far, this was accompanied by at least one fracture on the left side, and possibly a break in the other. There is 'disfigurement' in the form of bumps on both sides, which appears connected with bone.

The injury occurred on Christmas eve and due to mitigating financial circumstances, I've yet to get adequate treatment. I've been told the time which has passed will already require that I have surgery, and I'm very concerned this will result in substantial strength and flexibility limitations for both arms (preventing all but the lightest exercise).

Thus I would like to know from your experience what I might expect after they are able to perform treatment?

If you've had elbow surgery for anything similar, did it really limit your ability to exercise/ play sports? I can currently use both arms, but as stated I can lift very little in anything other than a 90* bend.

If it helps, the injury occurred from being cuffed by police behind my back, an excessive force case.. thus you might imagine how the force was being exerted (a very long story, please don't ask - not at fault).

[weezer555]

At this point fractures are healed and its imperative to work on elbow motion while awaiting medical help. Do not stop using your elbow joints!

[weezer555]

i dont have your x ray report and your infornation is vague. A break and a fracture is the same thing, A displaced fracture is reduced by an orthopedic in the emergency room,temporary cast and you follow in the office  If you do have fractures bilaterally it really depends on exacr location. Without treatment you could loose range of motion permanently and potential disfigurement. Fractures heal in 4-6 weeks but can be corrected by re breaking the bone and reduce vs surgical pinning/plating, immobalized for 4-6 weeks and then attend physical therapy vs home excercises to regain rom and strenght. Joints that are not mobile can also freeze affecting tendons etc. Big mess.
There are free medical care offwered by teaching hospitals. Call an orthopedic office locally and ask where they can refer you.. If you need more assistance with this, tell me where you live and Ill investigate

[k_c_v]

Hello Dr Vinod, I appreciate your reply.

Unfortunately I think a 'displaced complicated fracture' is exactly the problem, at least on my right side. (A lower bone in the forearm feels about half an inch from the original point of my elbow).

I have been very careful in avoiding use of that arm, however I'm sure the time that's passed and the healing which has occurred will have exponentiated the problem.

I hope to have treatment performed under financial assistance very soon, I'll follow up as necessary.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You have to get present day scans and check recovery. You should have at least worn a cast and it is already nearly 50 days since Christmas that this injury has occurred.

You have to follow up with an orthopedician and if you have a displaced complicated fracture then explore for surgical options or else you can initially try conservative treatment by wearing a cast and using a sling bandage.

Discuss all options and start appropriate treatment, do not bend your affected elbow and do not lift any weights or push or pull with that hand.

Take care!