Aa
non union of old undiagnosed fracture
A recent xray for a swelling in my elbow shows that I've got a 'non union of an old displaced fracture of the medial epicondyle' - the thing is... I think I've had this for over 25 years! I remember injuring my elbow badly as a child and remember having an xray (at the time) and being told there were no broken bones. It was agony (I was only about 11 or 12) and I couldn't straighten my arm for weeks. I vaguely recall a physiotherapist at the hospital pulling at my arm to straighten it. Ouch! and also 'ultrasound therapy?'... I was told at the time it wasn't broken and had no cast or anything. What can be done about it now? Does anyone know... I'd rather just leave it be. Thoughts anyone?
DrGodofredoMD,
Thank you for your comments - I like the sound of the conservative management! I did take a VERY VERY minor knock to it about a year ago - it didn't even make me go 'ouch' - however, about three days after this minor knock I felt some tenderness in the elbow. I thought it was a trapped nerve and would just go away. It did (go away) but it made me look at my elbow more closely and I noticed some swelling, and also what I thought was muscle wasting in the forearm and the bones felt different to those of my good arm. I think my GP is going to refer me to an orthopedist - I see him next week. There's no way the knock a year ago was severe enough to even cause a bruise let alone a fracture so I can only think the injury I had as a child was the original cause. There was no mention of it being pathelogical on the xray. I'm still in my thirties (just)!
Many Thanks again for your comments,
Belinda
Thank you for your comments - I like the sound of the conservative management! I did take a VERY VERY minor knock to it about a year ago - it didn't even make me go 'ouch' - however, about three days after this minor knock I felt some tenderness in the elbow. I thought it was a trapped nerve and would just go away. It did (go away) but it made me look at my elbow more closely and I noticed some swelling, and also what I thought was muscle wasting in the forearm and the bones felt different to those of my good arm. I think my GP is going to refer me to an orthopedist - I see him next week. There's no way the knock a year ago was severe enough to even cause a bruise let alone a fracture so I can only think the injury I had as a child was the original cause. There was no mention of it being pathelogical on the xray. I'm still in my thirties (just)!
Many Thanks again for your comments,
Belinda
DrGodofredoMD,
Thank you for your comments - I like the sound of the conservative management! I did take a VERY VERY minor knock to it about a year ago - it didn't even make me go 'ouch' - however, about three days after this minor knock I felt some tenderness in the elbow. I thought it was a trapped nerve and would just go away. It did (go away) but it made me look at my elbow more closely and I noticed some swelling, and also what I thought was muscle wasting in the forearm and the bones felt different to those of my good arm. I think my GP is going to refer me to an orthopedist - I see him next week. There's no way the knock a year ago was severe enough to even cause a bruise let alone a fracture so I can only think the injury I had as a child was the original cause. There was no mention of it being pathelogical on the xray. I'm still in my thirties (just)!
Many Thanks again for your comments,
Belinda
Thank you for your comments - I like the sound of the conservative management! I did take a VERY VERY minor knock to it about a year ago - it didn't even make me go 'ouch' - however, about three days after this minor knock I felt some tenderness in the elbow. I thought it was a trapped nerve and would just go away. It did (go away) but it made me look at my elbow more closely and I noticed some swelling, and also what I thought was muscle wasting in the forearm and the bones felt different to those of my good arm. I think my GP is going to refer me to an orthopedist - I see him next week. There's no way the knock a year ago was severe enough to even cause a bruise let alone a fracture so I can only think the injury I had as a child was the original cause. There was no mention of it being pathelogical on the xray. I'm still in my thirties (just)!
Many Thanks again for your comments,
Belinda
Hi.
It would probably be best to have an orthopedist evaluate your condition. Assuming you have not had any other trauma to the elbow, the fracture could have been missed during the examination done 25 years ago.
If the orthopedist believes that conservative management can suffice, you could just take pain medications and apply ice for the swelling and heat later on when the swelling has subsided. However, if the orthopedist believes that the old fracture may lead to worsening or development of new symptoms, more invasive procedures could be suggested.
Hope this helps.
It would probably be best to have an orthopedist evaluate your condition. Assuming you have not had any other trauma to the elbow, the fracture could have been missed during the examination done 25 years ago.
If the orthopedist believes that conservative management can suffice, you could just take pain medications and apply ice for the swelling and heat later on when the swelling has subsided. However, if the orthopedist believes that the old fracture may lead to worsening or development of new symptoms, more invasive procedures could be suggested.
Hope this helps.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Orthopedics Community
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
How to bounce back fast from an ankle sprain - and stay pain free.
Patellofemoral pain and what to do about it.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
