Elbow Fractures and Trauma
The elbow joint is formed by the junction of three bones — the humerus, radius, and ulna — held together by a network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that enable the complex bending, straightening, and rotational movements the arm depends on every day. A fracture to any of these bones can disrupt the entire joint, causing severe pain, swelling, visible deformity, and an inability to move the arm. Elbow fractures commonly result from falls onto an outstretched hand, direct blows during contact sports, and high-energy trauma such as vehicle accidents. Because the elbow also houses critical nerves and blood vessels — and because delayed treatment can lead to stiffness, instability, or permanent loss of range of motion — elbow injuries involving a suspected fracture require urgent evaluation by an orthopedic specialist who can accurately assess the damage and determine whether surgical intervention is needed.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with more than 30 years of experience treating acute fractures and complex elbow trauma. His residency at Lenox Hill Hospital — where he served as Chief Resident — included a pediatric orthopedic rotation at Harvard University’s Boston Children’s Hospital, giving him specialized training in fracture patterns that affect patients across all age groups. As Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, Dr. Glashow manages high-impact fractures and joint trauma in professional athletes under conditions that demand precise diagnosis and rapid surgical decision-making. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000, he offers same-day evaluation, on-site imaging, and emergency surgical capability at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.
Same Day Elbow Fracture Treatment
When you contact Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, you do not need to wait to receive the best care for your elbow fracture or injury. Unlike many other orthopedic surgeons, we offer a same day evaluation and treatment at our facility on the Upper East Side. The elbow is a complex joint, and waiting too long to perform surgical intervention can be detrimental to recovery. We offer emergency, weekend and after hours assistance for patients requiring elbow fracture or trauma treatment.
If you sustain a severe elbow injury or fracture, get the best care for your injury from New York City’s top orthopedic surgical team. Contact Dr. Jonathan Glashow as soon as possible after your injury. We are available 24/7 to schedule appointments for evaluations or second opinions on elbow injuries and can often perform treatment the same day as your evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elbow Fractures and Trauma
What types of elbow fractures are most common?
The three most common elbow fractures involve the radial head (the top of the smaller forearm bone), the olecranon (the bony point of the elbow), and the distal humerus (the lower end of the upper arm bone). Each fracture type presents differently and requires a specific treatment approach. Radial head fractures are the most frequent elbow fracture in adults and often result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Olecranon fractures typically occur from a direct blow to the elbow. Distal humerus fractures — more common in older adults and young children — tend to involve higher-energy trauma and are often more complex to repair.
How do I know if my elbow is fractured or just bruised?
A fractured elbow typically produces severe pain that worsens with any attempt to move the arm, noticeable swelling, bruising, and in some cases a visible deformity or misalignment of the joint. You may also experience numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers if a nerve is affected. A bruised elbow, while painful, generally allows some range of motion and does not produce deformity. Because certain fractures — particularly non-displaced cracks — can be difficult to distinguish from soft tissue injuries without imaging, Dr. Glashow recommends X-rays and a clinical examination for any elbow injury involving significant pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the arm.
Do all elbow fractures require surgery?
No. Stable, non-displaced fractures — where the bone is cracked but the pieces remain in proper alignment — can often be treated with immobilization in a splint or cast, followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength. However, displaced fractures, fractures involving multiple fragments, fractures that extend into the joint surface, and injuries that compromise joint stability typically require surgical repair using pins, screws, plates, or in some cases a prosthetic implant. Dr. Glashow evaluates each fracture with advanced imaging to determine the most effective treatment path.
What happens during elbow fracture surgery?
The specific surgical approach depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Dr. Glashow may use open reduction and internal fixation — a technique in which the bone fragments are realigned and secured with metal screws, plates, or pins — or in cases involving severe radial head fractures, a prosthetic replacement of the damaged bone. Surgery is performed at Midtown Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art facility with one of the lowest infection rates in New York. The goal of every fracture repair is to restore precise anatomical alignment and joint stability so the patient can regain full elbow function.
What does recovery look like after an elbow fracture?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the fracture type and whether surgery was required. Non-surgical fractures typically require two to six weeks of immobilization before beginning physical therapy. Surgical cases may begin gentle, supervised motion exercises within the first week or two after the procedure to prevent stiffness — one of the most common complications following elbow fractures. Full recovery, including a return to sports or physically demanding activities, generally takes three to six months. Dr. Glashow coordinates post-operative rehabilitation closely with physical therapists to optimize each patient’s range of motion and strength throughout the healing process.
Can an elbow fracture lead to long-term complications?
Most elbow fractures heal well with proper treatment and rehabilitation, but potential long-term complications can include stiffness or loss of range of motion, post-traumatic arthritis that develops months or years after the injury, nerve damage affecting hand sensation or grip strength, and heterotopic ossification — the formation of abnormal bone within the soft tissues around the joint. The risk of complications is highest with complex or severely displaced fractures, which is why early evaluation by an experienced orthopedic surgeon and adherence to a structured rehabilitation program are critical for achieving the best possible outcome.
