Fracture Care · Elbow, forearm & wrist
Distal humerus (elbow) fracture
Distal Humerus Fracture (Elbow Fracture) — Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
The condition
The distal humerus is the lower end of the upper arm bone, which forms the top of the elbow joint. A fracture here, often from a fall onto the elbow, frequently breaks into the joint surface. It causes pain, swelling, and loss of elbow motion; without surgery, the elbow often heals stiff or out of line.
The surgery
Through an incision at the back of the elbow, the joint surface and bone are put back together and held with plates and screws. To reach the joint, the tip of the elbow (olecranon) may be cut and later fixed, or the triceps moved aside and repaired. The ulnar nerve is protected and sometimes moved forward. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Splint & sling
- Splint until the first visit (7-10 days), then a sling for comfort. A night splint may be added if straightening lags.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. Lift only 1 lb, with no pushing up or leaning on the arm, for 6 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Motion & lifting
- Elbow motion starts once the splint is off; goal is a functional arc (30° to 130°) by 6 weeks. Lifting up to 5 lb from 6 weeks; weight through the arm from 10 weeks.
- Activity
- Full release typically 4–6 months. Motion keeps improving for up to 6 months.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Restoring the joint gives the best chance of a stable, functional elbow. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, elbow stiffness (the most common problem), ulnar nerve irritation (numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers), extra bone forming around the elbow, the bone healing slowly or not at all, hardware irritation that may require removal, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery