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Bluegrass Orthopaedics 3480 Yorkshire Medical Park Varied
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Elbow Fracture Specialist in Lexington, KY

Lexington Elbow Surgeons Offering Expert
Treatment for Fractures & Injuries

An elbow fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint—the humerus, ulna, or radius. These fractures often result from trauma such as falling on an outstretched arm, direct impact, or sudden twisting of the joint. Symptoms typically include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the elbow. In more severe cases, you may notice a visible deformity or hear a pop at the time of injury.

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Person holding elbow with highlighted pain area and bone illustration indicating joint discomfort.

Do I Have an Elbow Fracture?

Common signs of an elbow fracture include sharp elbow pain, swelling around the joint, bruising, limited range of motion, and tenderness to touch. Some patients find it difficult or impossible to straighten or bend the elbow. If nerves or blood vessels are affected, you may experience numbness, tingling, or coldness in the hand or fingers. These symptoms should be evaluated as soon as possible to prevent long-term complications, such as stiffness or nerve damage.

Common Types of Elbow Fractures

Several different types of elbow fractures can occur, depending on the area of impact. Olecranon fractures affect the tip of the elbow and usually happen from a fall directly onto the elbow. Radial head fractures are common in adults and occur when falling on an outstretched arm. Distal humerus fractures involve the lower part of the upper arm bone and often require surgical repair. In children, supracondylar fractures just above the elbow joint are prevalent. Other complex injuries can involve multiple bones or dislocations and may require a more advanced treatment approach.

How Are Elbow Fractures Diagnosed?

Elbow fractures are diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. Your orthopedic specialist will assess pain level, range of motion, visible deformity, and signs of nerve or vascular damage. X-rays are typically the first step in confirming a fracture and identifying its location and severity. In more complex injuries, advanced imaging such as a CT scan may be necessary to evaluate the joint surface or determine the need for surgery.

What Are The Treatments for an Elbow Fracture?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Minor or non-displaced fractures may be treated with immobilization using a splint or sling, along with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, displaced fractures or those involving joint surfaces often require surgical intervention to realign the bones and stabilize the elbow. Surgical options may include pins, plates, screws, or tension-band wiring. After initial healing, physical therapy plays a key role in restoring motion and strength to the elbow.

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Meet Our
Elbow & Shoulder Team

Wallace L. Huff, JR., M.D.
Sports Medicine & Total Joint Replacement
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Owen McGonigle, M.D.
Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon
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J. Martin Favetto, M.D.
Hand and Upper Extremity
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Ryan P. Donegan, M.D., M.S.
Shoulder and Elbow Specialist
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Victor Marwin, M.D., MBA
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
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Charles "Ched" Crouse, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
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How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Elbow Fracture?

Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the fracture and the treatment approach. Most elbow fractures heal within 6 to 8 weeks, but full recovery may take several months. Early rehabilitation and guided exercises are crucial in preventing stiffness and restoring full function. Delayed treatment can lead to long-term issues, including arthritis, chronic pain, or restricted mobility.

If you believe you may have an elbow fracture, Bluegrass Orthopaedics offers expert care and convenient access through our orthopedic walk-in clinic. No appointment is needed, and our experienced providers can quickly assess your injury and create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal and return to your normal activities.

Dr. Owen McGonigle, sports medicine specialist, speaking in a Bluegrass Orthopaedics video interview.

Has a very good bedside manner. Came highly recommended.

Anonymous

Dr. Huff was very efficient. I was in and out in a reasonable amount of time. I am looking forward to my next visit. Hopefully he will help me get back to work soon.

Anonymous

Have been a long time patient of this practice. Always felt I received good care and honest responses to my questions.

Janice Geurin-Leslie

Highly competent, does not pressure patients into surgery, continually researching innovations in symptom management or interventions. Amazingly efficient and remembers his patients. I do always recommend him to others and he does not... Highly competent, does not pressure patients into surgery, continually researching innovations in symptom management or interventions. Amazingly efficient and remembers his patients. I do always recommend him to others and he does not disappoint. Great community reputation. Known him for about 10 years.

Pat Cooper

Excellent physician. Cares for his patients and provides great professional service to them. Would recommend highly!

CP

Amazing. Staff works amazingly to get you the help you need. With concern with your pain. Thank you for everything.

Anonymous

Was very satisfied, finally found someone that will listen and help

Anonymous

Ortho nurse I have worked in orthopaedics for over 34 years and would recommend without hesitation! He is knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly listens! Highly recommend!

Anonymous

I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional... I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional and caring yet very down to earth. I've been to his office twice and will continue as needed.

T. Ramos

Dr Huff and his team are very professional and courteous. I had to have hip labrum repair and he and his team were top notch. From the time I walked back into the surgical area and met the first nurse, to the time I woke up in recovery,... Dr Huff and his team are very professional and courteous. I had to have hip labrum repair and he and his team were top notch. From the time I walked back into the surgical area and met the first nurse, to the time I woke up in recovery, I was treated with outstanding personal attention. I highly recommend Dr Huff and his team to anyone that has to have ortho surgery, you will not be disappointed. Keep up the good work!!!

Kevin Clemons

Dr. Harrod is an amazing doctor. He is very personable and gets down on your level to explain things to you. He is very attentive and honestly listens to you when you have a concern about something. He did an outstanding job with my... Dr. Harrod is an amazing doctor. He is very personable and gets down on your level to explain things to you. He is very attentive and honestly listens to you when you have a concern about something. He did an outstanding job with my foot surgery. I would highly recommend Dr. Harrod to everybody!!

Anonymous

I have been with Dr. Donegan for over a year. He has treated me for a shoulder injury. I have been so thrilled with my care. Everyone at BGO has been courteous, caring and professional. Dr. D is highly experienced and goes above and... I have been with Dr. Donegan for over a year. He has treated me for a shoulder injury. I have been so thrilled with my care. Everyone at BGO has been courteous, caring and professional. Dr. D is highly experienced and goes above and beyond to make sure I will be healthy and healed. I HIGHLY recommend Bluegrass Ortho for physical therapy as well.

Beth Bradford

Dr. Balthrop I have been treating with Dr. Balthrop over 20 years. He is really good at what he does. I travel 2 1/2 hours one way to be seen by him. He has performed several surgeries over the years on me. the latest of which was an... Dr. Balthrop I have been treating with Dr. Balthrop over 20 years. He is really good at what he does. I travel 2 1/2 hours one way to be seen by him. He has performed several surgeries over the years on me. the latest of which was an emergency. He's the best.

Vitals

He took the time to answer all our questions. He has done several surgeries on my mother and does an excellent job.

Anonymous

He Fixed Me When No One Else Could. Dr. Hunt is awesome! I had a minor surgery, on my lumbar spine. A few months later, i was injured. I had to have 2 more surgeries and a lumbar fusion. I still have pain, but that's to be expected,... He Fixed Me When No One Else Could. Dr. Hunt is awesome! I had a minor surgery, on my lumbar spine. A few months later, i was injured. I had to have 2 more surgeries and a lumbar fusion. I still have pain, but that's to be expected, when you have a bunch of titanium, in your spine. He kept me in physical therapy, to keep my torso strong, for the surgery. Best move. I was up, walking around, on my own, a few hours after the surgery. He has a great personality! Jokes with me and is always ready to answer any questions I have. I've read some of these reviews and i don't believe they've saw the same doctor. He's a great surgeon and fixed me when others just wanted to shove pills, down my throat.

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