Definition of elbow fracture:

In elbow fractures, the main complication is elbow stiffening with loss in mobility, particularly in extension and supination. Arthroscopic surgery minimizes stiffening by improving the accuracy and efficacy of the repair procedure whilst limiting the trauma of surgery and the ligament lesions that it involves.

Video of elbow fracture treatment:/u>

Elbow fracture diagnosis:

This preoperative x-ray of the elbow shows a particularly comminuted fracture of the radial head associated with a fracture of the coronoid tip.

Surgical treatment of an elbow fracture:

This difficult elbow surgery is specialized surgery. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under regional anaesthesia, with the patient positioned in the lateral decubitus position. Only three 5-mm incisions are necessary.
The evaluation of the lesions is done through the antero-medial optical portal. The surgeon first notices a large intra-articular hematoma in the elbow that impedes vision; it will be removed using a shaver.

Note the fracture of the coronoid tip, which, one can guess is held by the anterior periosteum. A loose articular foreign body in the form of a cartilage fragment floats freely in the joint of the elbow and can be removed with a shaver. 

A particularly comminuted fracture of the radial head is exposed, with loss of osteo-articular material, the annular ligament is however intact and will not require incision.
The elbow fracture is reduced as much as possible using the shaver and probe. Once the best reduction is achieved, the surgeon can check the radial head through the posterior portal.

Shown here is the proximal radio-ulnar joint with the elbow’s lesser sigmoid cavity. The surgeon then places a K-wire (pin) percutaneously under arthroscopic monitoring; it is positioned in the bone, approximately 1.5 mm under the radial head. A compression screw can then be introduced on the guide pin and then screwed until completely buried.

Anterior optical verification confirms reduction quality and stability, with smooth, catching-free pronosupination. The annular ligament stayed intact. The surgical incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.
The post-operative elbow x-ray shows good fracture reduction with a screw that is perfectly positioned below the articular surface.

Recovery after elbow fracture surgery

Pain control immobilization will be necessary for 2 to 3 weeks specific elbow rehabilitation must start immediately. Forceful movements with the elbow must wait at least 2 months.