Stiffness in elbow after injury (possibly hairline fracture)

I had a fall 2 weeks back and I landed directly on my palm. Because of the pressure I injured my elbow. The doctor took XRay scan of my elbow (twice - one each week) and advised me to be in crape bandage plaster for one week. Last week he told me that he cannot see the fracture and hence asked me to remove the plaster and start exercising
But I have stiffness in my arm because of which i am not able to stretch it completely. When I apply pressure (using my other hand ) to straighten it up, it hurts.
Can it be a cause of broken cartilage being present in my elbow? Do I need to get a surgery done to get it removed?

[abhijeet v ghosh]

hi trilok,
hairline fracture can be seen within 20 days of re-xray as the area shows reactive new bone formation.
Cartilage can't be seen on x-ray . If money is not a problem for you, then you can do a MRI scan to be dear sure.

Stiffness is a common problem and takes 3-5 weeks to go. However elbow functional range is 30 - 110 degrees. So if your elbow has this much function, then no orthopaedician will do any surgery on you..
regards

[trilokj]

Thanks for the reply.
Ya, I'll wait for 2-3 weeks more and will see the progress.
Yes, MRI is too costly and hence I don't want to go for it immediately.
Right now, my movement range is from 40 - 80 degrees..I've been told to keep exercising(light weight dumbles) by my doctor...

[abhijeet v ghosh]

hi friend,
so ou have decided about your progress pattern. that's good.
And take a medical insurance, so that it will help you and your family in future,

regards